Georgia narrows space for independent civic groups

Georgian lawmakers passed a suite of measures in 2024–25 that place foreign funding under strict government control, require stigmatizing registration and expose activists and organizations to criminal penalties, the report said. Reaction pending.

2024 transparency law and 2025 act

The reporting said the Transparency of Foreign Influence Law adopted in 2024 forces nongovernmental groups and media that receive more than 20% of funding from abroad to register as organizations “serving the interests of a foreign power.” Parliament adopted a Foreign Agents Registration Act in April 2025 with broad definitions that could sweep in groups that cooperate with international donors or share routine information with foreign partners. The report said those found in breach face detailed reporting obligations, mandatory labelling and criminal liability, with penalties of up to five years in prison.

Interviews documented in the report described a chilling effect: self-censorship, staff departures, frozen bank accounts linked to a criminal probe after 2024 protests, and reduced access to services for communities that rely on independent groups. Amendments to the Law on Grants require prior government approval for foreign donors and make unauthorised funding a criminal offense, the report said.

International partners are now faced with policy choices; observers will watch for formal responses or measures by July 31, 2026.