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...

On June 18, 2024, in collaboration with the UN Women Country Office in Georgia and generous support of the UK Integrated Security Fund (UKISF) the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences of Tbilisi State University (TSU) will host 1st student conference on: "Gender Dimension of Cybersecurity." More…  Source: UN Women Georgia

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

The Institute of Politics of Georgia published an infographic – What challenges do young people face when accessing municipal services. Examine the main findings for the three regions of Georgia: Shida Kartli, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Adjara. The infographic has been developed with the support of the Open Government Partnership through the EU for Integrity Programme for the Eastern Partnership, funded by the European Union. The contents of this study do not necessarily reflect the views of OGP or the EU.

Tsiskarauli Tower in Akhieli, Georgia was selected for the prestigious European Heritage Award/Europa Nostra Award 2024, co-funded by the EU's Creative Europe programme.  Damaged by a Russian missile in 2001, this medieval tower in Khevsureti underwent a remarkable restoration effort led by the National Trust of Georgia, alongside British, French, and Polish experts and volunteers. This collaborative project not only revitalized the tower but also strengthened the local community, enhanced the potential of eco-tourism in the region, and highlighted Georgia's rich cultural heritage on a global scale.  Learn more... source: EU in Georgia

Tbilisi.35 years ago, the world recognized that children have rights, including the right to express opinions and participate in decision-making. Georgia joined the Convention 30 years ago, in 1994.  „The importance of children's active participation is emphasized in the Child Rights Code of Georgia. Children have the right to freely express their opinions on matters that impact them. It's crucial to consider these views while making decisions that affect their lives“.  Source: UNICEF Georgia

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…

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. IDFI published Brief Assessment: “Political Vandalism in Tbilisi on 31 May” In the document underline“. The developments that occurred on May 31 are not an isolated case. Since the re-initiation of the Russian-style foreign agents law, numerous organized incidents of attacks, both verbal and physical, on individuals with critical opinions have emerged”. More… Source: idfi.ge

Center for Strategy and Development - CSD welcomes you to an online discussion - "75 Years Since the Foundation of NATO: Lessons Learned and Future Perspectives".  The discussion will cover NATO's history, key achievements, and challenges, and will also assess current developments and future prospects for the Alliance.  More… source: CSD

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

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.At this year’s Europe Day, we asked the attendees "What does the EU mean for you?" Check out what they said in the video below. More... Source: European Union in Georgia

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