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Financial Crime Legislation Worldwide in Georgia Halted, EU Support Frozen Amid Criticism of “Foreign Influence” Law

Georgia’s accession to the European Union has been halted, and some of the bloc’s financial support to the country has been frozen due to the Georgian authorities’ adoption of a new law that critics fear will curb democratic freedoms.

EU Leaders Halt Process, Freeze Financial Support

According to Pawel Herczynski, EU Ambassador in Georgia, EU leaders made the decision during their last summit to halt the process, citing concerns over the “foreign influence” law passed despite weeks of protests. The law requires media outlets, non-governmental organizations and other non-profit groups to register as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.

Criticism and Condemnation

The opposition has denounced the bill as “the Russian law,” comparing it to similar legislation used by Moscow to stigmatize independent news media, organizations and individuals critical of the Kremlin. EU officials have repeatedly condemned the law as undemocratic and said it would hinder Georgia’s path to EU membership.

Frozen Financial Support

A total of 30 million euros ($32.5 million) in financial support earmarked for Georgia’s Defense Ministry in 2024 has been frozen, Herczynski said at a news conference. The EU Ambassador warned that this is only the first step, stating that direct support to the government will be limited and redirected to civil society and the media.

Georgian President Weighs In

Georgia’s President Salome Zourabichvili, who has long been at odds with the country’s government, called the moves by the EU and the U.S. “very difficult messages from two of our closest friends” that are “worth listening to.” She warned that the choice between a secure European future and moving towards the Russian orbit lies with Georgian society.

United States Review

The United States earlier this month indefinitely postponed military drills in Georgia as part of a comprehensive review of relations between Washington and Tbilisi.