Tbilisi."The European Union has made it clear that its doors are open, but Georgia needs to act now to advance towards EU membership. Last week, we regrettably saw the return of a draft law on Transparency of Foreign Influence. Maintaining an enabling environment for civil society organisations and ensuring media freedom is at the core of democracy. It is also crucial for the EU accession process. I truly hope that political leaders will implement reforms in line with the objective of joining the EU, supported by a large majority of Georgia’s citizens.”, - stated the EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski at the event, where Georgia’s Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) presented their assessment report of the implementation of the 9 steps laid out by the European Commission upon granting Georgia the EU Candidate Status. More... Source: European Union in 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

It was 20 years ago that Lithuania proudly joined the European Union, making a return to our rightful place as a member of the European family.” - watch the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania, Saulius Valainis, as he shares his insights on what the EU membership means to his country. More... Source: European Union in Georgia

Adjara.With the EU and German support, a groundbreaking event took place in Ochkhamuri, Kobuleti, to mark the beginning of the Ajara Rural Water and Wastewater Treatment Programme.  The event signified the commencement of construction works for the Programme in Kobuleti. The programme aims to create modern water supply and wastewater systems in 39 Ajara villages and semi-urban areas. More... Source: European Union in Georgia

UN Georgia expresses its profound concern with the re-introduction of the draft Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence in the Parliament of Georgia as it would impede the work of civil society and media and the essential contributions they make to Georgian democracy and society as a whole. More... Source: UNDP Georgia

Georgia is a candidate country to join the European Union.  Ever wondered what it means to be part of the EU family?  Listen to EU member state Ambassadors sharing their experiences in the video below and visit Expo Georgia on May 11 to learn more! More... Source: European Union in Georgia

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

Tbilisi.Leave no one behind" - A focus group research has been conducted and 118 people involved into the processes. This comprehensive study, conducted by experts utilizing meticulously crafted research tools such as desk research, in-depth interviews, and focus groups, aims to delve into various dimensions of societal dynamics. It's worth noting that as part of the "Building Inclusion for Vulnerable and Marginalized Communities in Georgia" initiative, the Charity Humanitarian Center - "Abkhazeti" (CHCA) is conducting essential social needs assessments in these 10 municipalities, with generous support from the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF). More... Source: CHCA

Shida Kartli.On April 4, 2024, “Society Biliki” and the Slovak organization TENENET organized a conference dedicated to supporting the employment of people with disabilities. Marika Mgebrishvili, the head of „Society Biliki“, opened the conference and welcomed participants. Marcela Hajtmankova from Slovakia also welcomed the participants, she emphasized the successful implementation of the project and the importance of the discussions held on the issues of people with disabilities. The conference was held in the framework of the project “Supported Employment and Optimization of Services in the Labour Policy in Georgia 2” implemented by “Society Biliki” and the Slovak organization TENENET with the financial support of Slovak Aid. More... Source: Society Biliki

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. The Coalition for an Independent and Transparent Judiciary: On April 5, it was revealed that four judges, including Mikheil Chinchaladze and Levan Murusidze, halted the inspection of their assets by the Anti-Corruption Bureau through court proceedings. The judges who initiated the court case against the Anti-Corruption Bureau are the ones whose integrity, including their financial status, is a matter of considerable public concern. This incident sets a troubling precedent and provides the Clan members with an opportunity to exploit the courts to avoid assessment of their financial integrity, even within the limited scope of the inspection conducted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau. The aforementioned further points to the need to check the integrity of judges appointed to key judicial positions through an extraordinary mechanism. more: https://rights.ge/en/advert/158 source: rights.ge

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

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...

Today, on 4 April we celebrate the founding day of NATO! For 75 years, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization has guaranteed the security and safety of 32 Allied nations in Europe and North America. More... Source: NATO in Georgia

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

The parliamentary majority's plan to attempt once again to pass the draft law known as the 'Russian law' poses a dual threat: it endangers the stability and functioning of civil society, while also jeopardizing Georgia's EU accession process. As the leader of the parliamentary majority, Mamuka Mdinaradze, said at a briefing held on April 3, the decision was made after consultation with the political council of the ruling party. According to his own statement, the draft law would be submitted to the parliament with practically unchanged text, but instead of the term ‘agent of foreign influence, the new version of the draft law would use ‘organization pursuing the interests of a foreign power’. On the same day, the ‘Georgian Dream’ submitted the draft law to the parliament. According to the parliamentary majority leader, "the civil sector remains the most non-transparent sector in Georgia" and non-governmental organizations are involved in implementing "revolutionary scenarios" and financing extremism. According to him, NGOs are conducting a Soviet-style campaign against the independence of the judiciary, spreading pseudo-liberal ideology, attempting to undermine public trust in the Georgian Orthodox Church, and engaging in actions against the country's energy independence, as well as what he terms 'LGBT' propaganda. Additionally, he accuses civil society organizations of attempting to manipulate election outcomes and of waging a covert war against Russia. According to Mdinaradze, this law will ‘in the long term’ prevent attempts to artificially incite unrest in Georgia. It is noteworthy that the decision of the parliamentary majority to re-submit the initiative to the parliament followed statements made by the ruling party and representatives of the executive government in recent weeks. During these statements, so-called civil society organizations were accused of discrediting the judicial system by advocating for the ‘vetting system’ and engaging in LGBTQ+ propaganda. Considering the well-known events of March 2023 and the subsequent developments, the initiation and potential approval of the mentioned draft law will harm the civil space, resulting in: Disruptions in the functioning and activities of civil society and its individual members; Activation of hostile rhetoric and discredit campaigns directed against the civil sector; •Reduction or complete elimination of opportunities for cooperation between the state and civil society organizations;  Hindrance of the capacity of civil society organizations to advocate for and provide services, especially to vulnerable groups. Furthermore, the mentioned initiative and the consequent restriction of civil space will exacerbate the situation regarding human rights protection in Georgia. It is important to note that with the upcoming parliamentary elections of 2024 in mind, the submission of the draft law to parliament further exacerbates the level of polarization in the country, thereby negatively affecting the state of democracy. It is essential to recognize that the potential approval of the draft law could hinder the progress of implementing the nine steps necessary for Georgia to start negotiations to join the European Union. It is imperative to consider the negative evaluations from various European Union structures last year, when the law was first initiated and supported in its initial reading. According to these assessments, the law was incompatible with EU values and standards and contradicted Georgia's stated goal of becoming part of the Union. Also, the final adoption of the law would have a serious impact on the relations between the European Union and Georgia. It is additionally noteworthy that the press spokesperson of the EU High Representative has expressed serious concern over the ruling party's announcement regarding the reintroduction of the draft law on ‘transparency of foreign influence’.

Tbilisi.On March 23-24, the Development and Engagement Platform hosted the Networking Forum for leader women in the framework of the project “Georgian Minority Women As Integration Ambassadors”. The forum hosted speeches on the history of women's emancipation and the importance of women's involvement in the decision-making process. In addition, project participants had the opportunity to attend a panel discussion about the importance of "storytelling" in activism and receive advice from women community leaders sharing their success stories. The project "Georgian Minority Women as Integration Ambassadors" is implemented by Development and Engagement Platform in partnership with the Rönne-Stiftung , with the financial support of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany. More... Source: The Development and Engagement Platform  

Tbilisi.IDFI, supported by the USAID Rule of Law Program, held a presentation of the report on the progress and key challenges regarding the accessibility of judicial acts in Georgia. Representatives from local and international organizations, the Constitutional Court, the Public Defender, the Personal Data Protection Service, and other state institutions as well as legal practitioners, academia and mass media participated in the event. Source: IDFI

Tbilisi.How does the EU Candidate Status assist Georgia in fighting Russian propaganda and disinformation online? Watch Asuncion Sanchez Ruiz, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation, addressing one of your questions received for our “EU Candidate Status – What Does It Mean To Georgia?” initiative. More... 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...