GD’s New Laws Restricting Grants, Political Activity Draw International Condemnation

2026-03-07 - 10:05

The Georgian Dream-led disputed parliament’s March 4 legislative package, tightening restrictions on foreign funding and political activity, has drawn criticism from international actors, including the OSCE/ODIHR, the EU, and several European governments, who warn it could severely restrict civic and political activity in Georgia. The package introduces additional restrictions on receiving foreign funding, criminalizes so-called “external lobbying,” limits certain political activities, imposes limits on businesses, and penalizes “systematic acts” aimed at “establishing the perception” that the government is illegitimate. The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) expressed “deep concern” over the legislation on foreign funding and political activity, warning it would have a “detrimental impact” on the rights to freedom of expression and association, and “severely limits political and public participation.” “The broad scope of the law could potentially impact not just independent civil society organisations and human rights defenders, but also individual experts, consultants, or service providers,” the OSCE/ODIHR’s March 6 statement said. The organization also noted that the law includes harsh criminal penalties as well as “broadly and vaguely” defined terms such as “mass disobedience or “extremism” that may serve as the basis for prosecution. Such provisions, it said, “are not in line with rule of law standards on legal certainty and predictability, and risk arbitrary enforcement.” “Criminalising any foreign funding without prior government authorisation, with penalties of up to six years’ imprisonment, is a disproportionate measure that would undermine the work of civil society organisations critical to the government,” the organization said. The statement reiterated the commitments of OSCE participating States recognizing the importance of civil society for a thriving democracy, noting that they have agreed “to respect the right to establish political parties” and to provide “guarantees to enable them to compete with each other on a basis of equal treatment.” “The Office continues to offer its support to Georgia in ensuring that laws are in line with international democratic standards and that the human rights of all citizens are respected,” the statement concluded. Separately, Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over the restrictive legislation, reiterating that the country remains “firmly committed to supporting Georgian civil society.” “The EU’s decision to suspend visa-free regime for holders of Georgian diplomatic and service passports is a consequence of the country’s continued backsliding on democracy and fundamental rights. Latvia implemented the decision at national level already in June 2025,” the Latvian MFA wrote on X on March 6. Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs likewise warned that the situation in Georgia is “deteriorating further.” “New legislation adopted by the ruling party would effectively prevent all foreign funding to independent organisations, criminalise core civic activity, and impede political activity. This is incompatible with democratic principles and Georgia’s international human rights obligations,” the Swedish MFA said on X. “We urge the Georgian authorities to reverse their authoritarian course. Sweden remains a long-standing friend and reliable partner of the Georgian people,” their statement added. Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also commented, saying “newly adopted legislation would severely restrict foreign funding for independent organisations, criminalise key civic activities, and place political engagement under extensive state control.” “Such measures are incompatible with democratic principles and Georgia’s international human rights obligations, and risk pushing the country further away from its European path,” it added. Earlier, EU HR/VP Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Georgia’s newly adopted legislation on foreign funding and political activity establishes a “system of state control over political activity in the country” and is part of the authorities’ “systematic” effort to restrict “democratic and civic space.” The joint statement warned that the authorities’ actions put the EU-Georgia partnership “at very serious risk” and are “regrettably moving Georgia further away from the EU path,” adding with “deep regret” that Georgia is now “a candidate country in name only.” Also Read: 12/01/2026 – Rights Georgia, Local Watchdog, Halts Work Amid Civil Society Crackdown 22/09/2025 – Dozens of CSOs Report New Inspections Under Amended Law on Grants 27/08/2025 – Authorities Freeze Bank Accounts of Seven NGOs in ‘Sabotage’ Criminal Probe