EU's Reaction to Georgia's Parliament Adoption of 'Foreign Agents' Bill

The 'Foreign Agents' bill adopted in the first reading by the Georgian Parliament does not comply with EU norms and values. This was announced by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.

“This is a very concerning development, and the final adoption of this law will have a negative impact on Georgia's progress towards the EU. This law does not align with the fundamental norms and values of the EU,” the statement read.

Borrell stated that the adoption of the law would limit the opportunities for civil society and the media. He urged Georgia to refrain from adopting the law.

European Council President Charles Michel also stated that the 'Foreign Agents' law adopted by the Georgian Parliament on April 17 does not correspond to the country’s European aspirations. “The Georgian people have chosen the European path, in response to which the European Council granted candidate status to Georgia last December. Let me be clear: this bill does not align with Georgia's aspirations for EU membership and will not bring Georgia closer to the EU but rather push it away,” Michel wrote on social media.

It is worth noting that earlier reports indicated that the Georgian Parliament had adopted the so-called 'Foreign Agents' bill (the draft law on 'Transparency of Foreign Influence') in the first reading.