EU vows to seek ways to bypass foreign funding curbs on Georgian media

The European Union intends to look for ways to circumvent laws restricting foreign funding of non-governmental organisations and media outlets in Georgia, EU Commissioner for Enlaregement Marta Kos said 

She said the bloc would continue supporting civil society groups and media organisations despite the restrictions, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

“We will continue to support civil society, and this week we met with several of its representatives in my office. Of course, we also support the media. The only thing we can do with the government is urge it to stop this absurdity,” Kos said.

At the same time, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas warned of possible “measures” against those who move to further tighten the law on grants.

Earlier, the leader of Georgia’s parliamentary majority announced plans to expand the definition of foreign grants in order to close loopholes for foreign funding, which he said could contribute to destructive processes in the country.

By Khagan Isayev