EU threatens funding withdrawal from Georgia over foreign agents law

The European Union is poised to suspend financial assistance to Georgia and withdraw support through the European Peace Foundation if Georgia does not repeal its controversial law on foreign agents, according to statements from EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.

Borrell emphasized the EU's readiness to take immediate action, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

"We are prepared to halt financial support to Georgia and suspend assistance through the European Peace Foundation. These decisions can be implemented swiftly and do not require a majority vote," he stated.

The law in question, which has drawn significant criticism, mandates that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) receiving foreign funding and engaged in political activities must register as foreign agents. This legislation has sparked concerns about its potential impact on civil society and democratic principles in Georgia.

Borrell further pointed out that while most EU member states support this stance, there is dissent from at least one country, believed to be Hungary, regarding exerting pressure on Georgia.

"I want to make it unequivocally clear: Georgia's path towards EU accession will face obstacles unless the government reverses its current course on the foreign agents law," Borrell emphasized, highlighting the EU's stance on the issue's importance for Georgia's integration aspirations.