Tbilisi.IDFI presents information about several repressive mechanisms of Russian Law. To Whom does the Russian Law apply? What can be requested from people and organizations? What are the sanctions? Will the appeal stop the repressive decisions? More... Source: IDFI 

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

Tbilisi.The EU and UNDP support opened new opportunities for thousands of small and medium-sized entrepreneurs across Georgia empowering them to embrace greener, more innovative, and more sustainable business practices. Some of these enterprises will join the #EuropeDayGeorgia2024 celebrations on 11 May, at Expo Georgia. Don't miss their vibrant stands in Pavilion 3 and the courtyard! More... Source: European Union in Georgia

Tbilisi.On May 15, at 15:00 the Grassroots Human Security Grant (GGP) Program of the Embassy of Japan in Georgia will conduct a public consultation meeting for the potential applicants who plan to send GGP application by June 30, 2024. The consultation will be held online. In order to participate, please fill out the registration form: More... Source:  Embassy of Japan in Georgia

“Joining the European Union for Latvia meant we became part of a community that respects and protects human rights, freedom, equality and solidarity.” -  Watch the Counsellor of Embassy of the Republic of Latvia to learn more on what the EU membership means for Latvia. More... Source: European Union in Georgia 

Statement from US Ambassador Dunnigan: “I am deeply concerned that in recent weeks the Georgian government’s choices have moved the country away from its Euro-Atlantic future, a destination desired by the overwhelming majority of Georgians. Unfortunately, the ruling party appears determined to advance legislation that the EU has clearly said is incompatible with Georgia’s EU aspirations. Additionally, some in the ruling party have chosen to attack the greatest supporters of Georgia’s sovereignty, the United States and the European Union. We have stood next to Georgia at the negotiations with a country that occupies 20 percent of Georgia’s territory. We have supported the preservation of Georgia’s language, cultural heritage, and historical legacy. We have built a partnership over the last 32 years based on shared values and a shared desire to see Georgia as a member of the Western family of democracies. We refuse to change our commitment to the Georgian people and to Georgia’s future, a future in Europe where all Georgians who have seen the benefits of our investments and programs know greater peace and prosperity will be found”. More.. Source: US Embassy Tbilisi, Georgia

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...

MATTHEW MILLER, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON : „The United States condemns the Kremlin-inspired “foreign influence” legislation advanced in Georgia’s parliament earlier today and the false narrative government officials have adopted to defend it. Members of the ruling party have been clear that the intent of the law is to silence critical voices and destroy Georgia’s vibrant civil society, which serves as a critical check on government in any democratic nation“.  More… source: www.state.gov

Tbilisi.On April 30, Rondeli Foundation hosted a roundtable discussion on “Involvement of the Women from the Regions in Social and Political Processes” with participation of active women from different regions and representatives of various political parties. The participants discussed daily challenges hindering women’s active engagement in the social and political processes of their respective regions and the state in general. The roundtable discussion was held within the framework of the project “Supporting Free and Fair Elections Cycle in Georgia” More... Source: Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

Statement by President von der Leyen on the situation in Georgia  "I am following the situation in Georgia with great concern and I condemn the violence in the streets of Tbilisi. Georgia's citizens are demonstrating their strong attachment to democracy. The Georgian government should heed this clear message. The European Union has also clearly expressed its concerns regarding the law on foreign influence. The Georgian people want a European future for their country. In recognition of these aspirations, the European Council in December gave Georgia candidate status and set out a clear path to the opening of accession negotiations. We expect the Georgian government to take swift action on the measures they have committed to take as a candidate country. Georgia is at a crossroads. It should stay the course on the road to Europe." More... Source: European Union in Georgia

Tbilisi.Among many other activities, don't miss out on the Europe Day Talks on May 11th at Expo Georgia! Pavilion 6 will host panel sessions covering a range of topics about the EU and Georgia, including opportunities supported by the EU, shared values, human rights, and more. Hosted by Davit Gorgiladze, these talks will provide quite a few answers about Georgia's European future. More.... Source: European Union in Georgia

“For my home country Czechia, entering the EU meant a significant step towards economic and political stability and security." Watch the Ambassador of the Czech Republic sharing his country’s experience of the EU membership. More... Source: European Union in Georgia

Tbilisi.On April 18, 23, and 24, the Rondel Foundation organized a training session for human resource management specialists working in the public sector. The focus of the training was Modern Human Resources Management – Employee Surveys, Politics and the Role of the Civil Service. The event comprised of one webinar and two seminars. The seminars were facilitated by Swedish consultants Hans Norgren, Eva Falck, and their Georgian colleague Tamta Chrikishvili. Additionally, Swedish consultants Mats Beskow and Katarina Önell participated remotely in the seminar. The combined webinar and seminars were designed to enhance the capacity of HR managers and experts within the Georgian civil service, providing them with insights into utilizing employee research/surveys and comprehending the significance of civil service roles. More... Source: Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

“By entering the EU, we have chosen a path of values, prosperity, solidarity and security and being part of the community with high respect for human rights and individual freedoms.”   Watch the Ambassador of the Slovak Republic sharing insights into his country's journey as part of the EU family. More... Source: European Union in Georgia 

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

Speech delivered by Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, on behalf of High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell. "Madam President, Honourable Members of the European Parliament, Over the past weeks, thousands of citizens of Georgia have taken to the streets to exercise their right to peaceful demonstration, demanding once again that authorities withdraw the law on transparency of foreign influence. We have seen impressive scenes from Georgia last year already. Citizens of all ages holding Georgian and European flags showing their strong attachment to democracy, to our shared European values and to Georgia’s path towards the European Union. At the time, the ruling party and the government made a public pledge to the Georgian citizens that such legislation would never come back. I urge the political leaders of Georgia to withdraw the draft law. As it was the case last year, it is clear that this legislation is incompatible with the EU norms and values. If adopted, it would jeopardise Georgia’s progress on the EU path. Georgians have a future in the European Union. The candidate status that was granted last December has brought our relations closer than ever before. Our door is open, so I urge the Georgian leaders to mirror the expectations of the citizens and not derail the country from the EU path. The work of civil society and media organisations is crucial to any democracy. Georgia has a vibrant and diverse civil society that has contributed to the country’s successful progress towards EU membership. The proposed legislation would limit the capacity of civil society and media organisations to operate freely, it would limit freedom of expression and unfairly stigmatise organisations that deliver benefits to the citizens of Georgia. This would also impact the European Union’s support to the Georgian people, as a part of it is channelled through NGOs. Transparency should not be used as an instrument to limit civil society’s capacity to operate freely. The Commission stressed in its enlargement report the work that Georgia needs to undertake and in particular the nine steps. As an EU candidate country, Georgia is expected to comply with the Copenhagen criteria, which specifically require adherence to principles of democracy, the rule of law and human rights. Only meaningful and irreversible progress in these fundamental areas determine the opening and overall pace of accession negotiations. Finally, the EU urges the Georgian leaders to foster national consensus around the goal of joining the European Union. It is imperative for all political leaders to reduce polarisation and engage positively and constructively with each other and with the civil society. Enlargement is a success when the whole country is behind this goal. It is also a strategic choice of any country that decides to embark on this path. It is a commitment to align not only with our norms, but also with our values." Source: European Union in Georgia 

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...