Tbilisi. The Coalition for Independent and Transparent Judiciary reacts to the election of three new Supreme Court members by the Georgian Parliament, viewing it as another step damaging the European integration process. "Successful European integration and the realization of necessary democratic reforms, including fundamental judicial reform, represent an unwavering will repeatedly expressed by the overwhelming majority of Georgian society. The ruling party and all branches of the government must respect this mandate." more... source: transparency.ge

Tbilisi. The EU Ambassador to Georgia, Pavel Herchinsky, visited the GYLA office. The ambassador met with GYLA staff and announced support for their work. This visit is particularly significant following the adoption of the "Russian Law" and emphasizes the EU's unwavering support for GYLA and civil society activities. The ambassador expressed hope that our country will continue to progress towards Europe. He also discussed increasing support for Georgian civil society from the European Union. Source: GYLA

Tbilisi. The Rondeli Foundation published Giorgi Pachuashvili's blog - RUSSIA’S PLAN TO DOMINATE THE SOUTH CAUCASIAN REGION – GEOPOLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE RUSSIAN LAW. "What remains to be answered is if the “Russian Law” is part of an elaborate plot by the Kremlin to dominate the South Caucasus by imposing and strengthening its grip on Georgia in a similar manner to Belarus, and by using the factor of opposition in Armenia to prevent its Western path".  More… ource: The Rondeli Foundation

On June 10, at 16.00 pm, the Tolerance and Diversity Institute (TDI) and the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights under the University of Oslo, in partnership with the Ilia State University, have the pleasure of inviting you to the public panel discussion: Freedom of Religion or Belief for All in Georgia and Beyond. Time: June 10, 16.00 - 18.00 Location: Ilia State University, Center for Advanced Studies (3 Giorgi Tsereteli str., building S, room 800)  More…

CSO's Statement: "55 days ago, the government broke its word to the Georgian people and re-initiated the “Russian law”. By that, it aimed at cleavaging the civil sector, but encountered an unprecedented unity and unflagging confrontation. The Georgian people are strong and will be in defending our own European future and will never ever get along with living under the boot of Russia". more... source: csf.ge

The EU is based on the values of peace, dignity, democracy, human rights, rule of law. These values resonate deeply with the people of Georgia.  This is why there is such a strong support for Georgia's integration to the EU. At the Europe Day Talks, panelists exchanged on what defines our shared values and how our shared future should look like. source: EU

CSO’s Joint statement: On May 14th, the majority members of the Parliament of Georgia acted against the national interests of the Georgian people and the constitution by passing the Russian Law in the third reading. This attempt to establish Putin's rules in Georgia is a betrayal of all our ancestors and compatriots who fought and are fighting for more than two hundred years against the Russification of Georgia. Before the draft law condemned by the entire international community becomes a law, the veto of the president remains, which the parliament must not overcome. We declare once again that the Georgian people will not accept Russian laws, violent rule and separation from the Western world. We fully share the position of the President of Georgia that it is impossible to improve this law and the statement of the European Commission, according to which the law should be recalled. The law is no longer just a legal text, but has become a symbol of the government's violence against the people, intimidation and betrayal of the country. The legal consequence of deterring this violence and changing the western vector will be the personal financial sanctions that will be imposed on those and their family members who put personal interest above the country's constitution. The will of the Georgian people is unwavering. Our ship is headed for Europe. We repeat once again - the government must withdraw this law unconditionally.  Yes to Europe!  No to the Russian law! more...

On May 14, alongside widespread protests, Georgia's Parliament passed the controversial "Russian law" in its third reading. This step undermines the living space of civil society and exacerbates political polarization within the nation. The draft law received approval from 84 MPs, with 30 members of the parliamentary opposition voting against it. The parliamentary majority's approval of the draft law came after extensive protests in the country and warnings from Georgia's foreign partners. These partners urged the governing team not to proceed with the decision, emphasizing its contradiction to the wishes of the Georgian people and its hindrance to Georgia's European integration. On May 13, while visiting Georgia, the chairman of the foreign affairs committee of the German Bundestag, Mikhail Roth, expressed his concerns about the country's European integration. He remarked that he "could not see a chance for a bright future for Georgia if the government did not withdraw this law". Prior to that, on May 12, over 120 Georgian civil society organizations reiterated their call for the withdrawal of the draft law through a collective statement. It is significant that the period from the adoption of the draft law in the second reading until today is characterized by the arrests of the participants of protest actions, repeated facts of physical punishment, verbal abuse and threats. It's noteworthy to mention the political assaults directed at individuals involved in protests against the draft law, as well as the menacing and offensive anonymous calls made to citizens from phone numbers registered both in Georgia and abroad. Additionally, there have been instances of leaving graffiti and posters containing hate speech at the premises of civil society organizations, media outlets, or individuals' residences. As per the procedure, the Georgian Parliament has up to 10 days to forward the approved law to the President of Georgia for signature. Subsequently, the President has a 2-week window after receiving the law to either sign it or exercise the right of veto, sending the law back to Parliament with detailed explanations. The law returned with reasoned comments is then deliberated upon in a plenary session of the Parliament and passed in a single reading. It should be noted that the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, announced on May 10, a few days before the adoption of the law, that he had informed foreign partners that "it was possible to reconcile positions within the veto procedures." Later, in a statement made on May 12, he specified that he had communicated with representatives of the European Union and the OSCE on this issue. In response, on May 12, the President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, stated that she "will represent a veto, but will not engage in any manipulation, because this will only aim to create confusion among the people." According to her own statement, if the ruling team wanted to change the law, it should have done it itself. The final approval of the law and its related procedures present considerable dangers, threatening to disrupt the workings of civil society and its members. This could lead to heightened political polarization, increased hostile rhetoric, and discredited campaigns. It may also erode opportunities for collaboration between the state and civil society organizations, making it harder for them to advocate and serve effectively. Additionally, this development might delay the country's integration into the European Union.

Non-governmental organizations published a joint statement.  „The draft law ... is a Russian Law in its goals and content, it is directed against the Western course supported by the Georgian people, and it must be withdrawn unconditionally. No amount of amendment can reverse the devastating effects that this law will have on our society". More…  Source: gyla.ge

According to the Europe Foundation’s 2023 survey on Knowledge of and Attitudes towards the EU in Georgia, 77% of Georgian citizens would vote for EU membership if a referendum is held tomorrow. More…  Source: Europe Foundation

Tbilisi. Non-governmental organizations published a joint statement. The text of the statement: „On the night of May 8, the government's nerves failed, and they prematurely revealed their intentions for Georgia's future. The shift in foreign policy and announced repressions by Bidzina Ivanishvili on April 29 have swiftly materialized into tangible actions - threats and insults hurled at hundreds of citizens have escalated into physical assaults and organized reprisals against politicians and activists. The oligarch and his puppets seem to forget that Georgia is not Russia. Georgians know the value of freedom. Our struggle for European future cannot be undermined by tactics reminiscent of Russian security services. Georgians do not condone ambushing individuals, pursuing them through hallways, or attempting to break down doors to intimidate small children. This is how the Russian regime operates. We will provide legal assistance to all victims. Every instance of targeted attacks on active citizens - whether during recent demonstrations or presently - will be thoroughly followed up to the end. We will demand and ensure the identification of all perpetrators. Freedom stands as the cornerstone of Georgian values. That is why we stand and will stand on the guard of Georgia's European future, shielding our nation from Russian tactics and violence. The Georgian people will emerge victorious from this struggle, and the aggressors will face appropriate consequences“. More… Source: csf.ge

The web portal CsoGeorgia.org releases a weekly newsletter of grants competition, contests, vacancies, fellowships, and tenders for civil society organizations, and for any interested person.  Newsletter...

Tbilisi.On April 25, 2024, within the framework of the "Civil Society Initiative" project supported by the European Union, a regional volunteering forum organized by the Education Development and Employment Center (EDEC) and Shida Kartli regional hub – Society Biliki. The aim of the forum is to popularize the culture of volunteering among the youth of the Shida Kartli region, to promote communication between volunteer organizations and people interested in volunteering, as well as to increase the awareness of regional public organizations among the population, to inform the population of the region about their activities, implemented projects, and to increase trust in civil society organizations. The event held within the framework of the project “Civil Society STAR Initiative: CSOs as Sustainable, Transparent, Accountable and Resilient Development Actors in Georgia“(2021-2025). The project is funded by the European Union (EU) and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS). The works of Shida Kartli Regional Hub are run by Society Biliki.  More... Source: Society Biliki

The protests against the reintroduction of Georgia's law on transparency of foreign influence have been consistent since the reintroduction of it. The situation escalated as police clashed with demonstrators, leading to injuries and arrests on April 16. Police aggressively dispersed protesters behind parliament, using pepper spray and physical force. 13 peaceful demonstrators have been detained. Throughout the night, Georgian non-governmental organizations diligently searched detention centers for the detainees, engaging with them, documenting rights violations. Journalists covering the events also faced violence from law enforcement. The bill's first vote was postponed for a day due to lengthy parliamentary debates, while tens of thousands continued protests outside. On April 17, the Georgian Parliament passed the law “on transparency of foreign influence” in its first reading with 83 votes in favor and none against, despite strong opposition from international partners, opposition MPs and politicians, and ongoing public protests near the Parliament building. The protests remained peaceful, however, police arrested two more people, one of whom they said had a weapon. President Zourabichvili appealed to European leaders, denouncing the bill as a threat to Georgia's European aspirations. Several high-profile Georgian sportspeople made posts expressing opposition to the draft law and supporting country’s European future. The reintroduced legislation faced renewed criticism from Western officials after the first reading. The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, and the EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, called on Georgian Dream to withdraw the bill, stating that it contradicts fundamental EU principles and values. The United Nations human rights office also urged Georgian authorities to withdraw the draft law. In Washington, the State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel also reiterated the US’s concern that the foreign agent bill could “stigmatize civil society organizations working to improve the lives of Georgian citizens and media organizations operating within Georgia.” The bill has yet to pass its second and third readings, although this time, unlike last year, without an accelerated procedure. The ruling majority is expected to pass the bill in its final, third reading on May 17. The law's enactment would undermine democratic principles and stifle civil society, drawing parallels to restrictive measures in Russia.

Tbilisi.Transparency International Georgia publishes a joint statement of organizations. "Yesterday, on April 11, "Georgian Dream" published on its official Facebook page the message of the general secretary of the party, the mayor of Tbilisi, Kakha Kaladze, with the following content: "No union is worth giving up the interests of my country and people." "Georgian Dream" is already spreading similar messages openly.  Recently, the large-scale anti-Western campaign, the attempt to pass the Russian law, and the neglect of the appeals of Georgia's European and American friends make us think that "Georgian Dream" is trying to change the western course of the country. We remind the government that Georgia's Euro-Atlantic course is the unwavering will and choice of the Georgian people, which is confirmed in Article 78 of the Constitution of Georgia.  This article obliges the government to take all measures to join the European Union and NATO. The attempt to adopt the Russian law and the rhetoric of the party's high-ranking officials against joining the European Union are a betrayal of the Constitution and the Georgian people." More.. Source: Transparency International Georgia

"CENN expresses its deep concern about the introduction of the "Foreign Agent Law" and calls on the Parliament to suspend the review process and withdraw it.  We appeal to each member of the Parliament of Georgia to show personal responsibility and spare no effort to maintain the country's democratic, European course Strategic partners have already called on Georgia to withdraw the draft law.  We also heard explanations from them about reviewing the progress of joining the European Union, which is a loss of a real chance to ensure our national interests and the well-being of our citizens.  The weakening of positions at the international level has a direct impact on the country's security and economic development..." More... Source: CENN

Georgian non-governmental and media organizations published a joint statement: "We, the Georgian media and non-governmental organizations, vehemently oppose the Russian law reintroduced by the authorities. “Georgian Dream” breaking its own word and deceiving people is directed not only against Georgian media and Georgian non-governmental organizations but also against every citizen and the European future of Georgia. Georgian non-governmental organizations help people. Passing this Russian law will leave children and women victims of violence vulnerable; persons with disabilities, scientists, workers, and young people; It will stop helping vulnerable families, farmers, displaced, homeless persons, and brave people fighting for their rights. The government wants to not cover the voice of people living in the regions, who inform the public about their plight through local, independent media.  These and the hostile laws introduced this week aim to divide the population, damage the country’s European future, and abolish freedom of speech. This is the government’s response to the hundreds of facts of violence, corruption, illegality, and discrimination that Georgian non-governmental organizations and independent media expose and publicize.  The European Union, the United Nations, NATO, the OSCE, the USA, and other international partners have declared the authoritarian character of the Russian law and its incompatibility with democracy, and after the recall of the law last year, they openly congratulated the Georgian people on their great victory.  This law is a Russian authoritarian tool to suppress freedom of speech. Its adoption will make it impossible to open negotiations with the EU at the end of the year. Instead of fulfilling the 9 steps defined by the European Union, the government, with this law, separates us from the European Union and immeasurably harms the democratic and secure future of Georgia.  Accepting the Russian law would be an attack on the main Georgian values – a sense of dignity, independence, and civil solidarity. This law, in accordance with the will of the Georgian people, should be withdrawn from the parliament. Russian law is not Georgia’s choice!" More... Source: civil society foundation

Georgian non-governmental organizations issue a statement and call on the leaders of "Georgian Dream" to explain to the Georgian people whether they were instructed to act in favor of the interests of a foreign state.  In particular, the statement mentions that the representatives of the party, the author of the "Russian Law,"  have been working in organizations funded by the USA and the European Union for decades: Irakli Kobakhidze – worked for 9 years in US and UN organizations;  Shalva Papuashvili – worked for 17 years in the German foundation;  Givi Mikanadze – received funding from the Council of Europe, the OSCE, the United Nations, and the European Union for 10 years;  Rati Yonatamishvili – received funding from the European Union, USAID, and other international funds for 9 years;  Nikoloz Samkharadze – worked for 11 years in EU and UN programs;  Archil Talakvadze – worked for 3 years in US organizations and “The Soros Foundation”;  Maya Bitadze – worked for 15 years in UN, OSCE, and World Bank organizations Some of them, as representatives of donor organizations, worked with Georgian non-governmental organizations on justice, equality, self-government, and other issues.  "Today, they declare that those organizations, which they have represented for years, act in the interests of foreign states and are a threat to Georgia.  We call on them to publicly explain to the Georgian people whether someone instructed them to act in favor of the interests of a foreign state and, if so, to name specific cases. Georgian non-governmental organizations acted, are acting, and will continue to act to achieve the goals stipulated by their statutes, to protect the interests of Georgian citizens, and to strengthen democratic public institutions in Georgia." More... Source: civil society foundation

ICNL published a publication: "2024 Georgia Draft Law on Foreign Influence Transparency". "On April 3, 2024, the Georgian Dream party registered in the parliament the draft Law of Georgia on Foreign Influence Transparency (“the Georgian draft law”). The Georgian draft law is identical to the draft Law of Georgia on Transparency of Foreign Influence #07–3/293; 14.02.2023 that was withdrawn from parliament following mass protests against it by a broad cross-section of Georgians in March 2023. The only notable difference is the replacement of the term ““agents of foreign influence” with the term “implementer organization of foreign power’s interest.” The Georgian draft law is similar to other laws, specifically targeting non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for the purpose of stigmatization. This group of foreign influence registration laws includes the Russian foreign agents law (2012), the Kyrgyz Law on Foreign Representatives (2024), Israel’s NGO law (2016), the draft El Salvador foreign agents law (2012), Hungary’s NGO transparency law (repealed) (2017), and the draft foreign agents law in the Republika Srpska (2024). These contrast with other laws and legislative proposals, including in the European Union (proposal), United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and elsewhere, that do not specifically target NGOs but instead focus on providing transparency for certain types of activities undertaken on behalf of a foreigner or foreign government. These laws and initiatives regulate relationships involving all entities and individuals without singling out NGOs and independent mass media. Since the introduction of the draft law, leaders of multilateral institutions, including the Council of Europe’s Secretary General and the NATO Secretary General, have said the revival of the draft Law “raises serious concerns” and “will undermine the whole idea of making Georgia a stronger democratic society.” The European Union’s top spokesperson added, “Transparency should not be used as an instrument to limit civil society’s capacity to operate freely.” source: ICNL 

Tbilisi. Europe Day at Expo Georgia promises to be an unforgettable experience, offering something for everyone to enjoy! Mark your calendars for May 11, 2024, and make your way to Expo Georgia in Tbilisi for a day filled with fun, excitement and cultural exploration. Stay tuned on our EU in Georgia Facebook page for more updates and learn more here: https://eu4georgia.eu/europe-day-2024/ Source: EU in Georgia

Tbilisi. The Centre for Multiparty Democracy (EECMD) published a statement. Organization condemns the reintroduction of the Russian Law (draft Transparency of Foreign Influence law) by Georgian Dream.  „Last year, Georgian Dream promised both the Georgian and international communities that it would not reintroduce this law. By doing so now, it is breaking its promise and deceiving the public. If enacted, this law will abolish independent CSOs, media, and educational institutions. It is also clear that Georgian Dream fears a truly competitive and fair electoral process. This law would make holding free, fair, and competitive elections impossible, thus undermining its legitimacy.  We urge Georgian Dream to immediately cease its efforts to enact this law and to refrain from diverting the country from its democratic and European path“.  More… Source: EECMD

Georgia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the draft law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence”: "The announcement by the ruling party in Georgia to re-introduce a draft law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence” raises serious concerns. The EU recalls the public pledge of the Georgian government and the ruling party to “unconditionally withdraw” such legislation last year. The EU regrets that it is once again being considered despite strong public and international reactions in March 2023.  Step 9 includes a recommendation for Georgia to make sure that civil society can operate freely and Step 1 calls on Georgia to fight disinformation against the EU and its values. Transparency should not be used as an instrument to limit civil society’s capacity to operate freely.  We encourage the political leaders in Georgia to adopt and implement reforms that are in line with the stated objective of joining the European Union, as supported by a large majority of Georgia’s citizens. The EU calls on Georgia to uphold its commitment to the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and human rights." More... Source: European Union in Georgia