UK halts election grants in Georgia amid rising concerns over new laws

The UK’s embassy in Georgia has officially announced the suspension of grant funding intended to promote transparency and fairness in Georgia’s upcoming municipal elections, scheduled for October 4, 2025.

The UK embassy stated that, despite its scrupulous adherence to the newly enacted laws, it had not received a response from the Georgian government concerning the approval of its grant application, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media. 

As a result, the embassy said it was compelled to cancel the grant offers intended to support transparency and competitiveness in the upcoming municipal elections.

The embassy cited growing uncertainty following the Georgian government’s recent adoption of laws targeting so-called “foreign agents” and implementing new rules for issuing grants. 

These legislative changes, the embassy said, have hindered its ability to proceed with planned support despite full compliance with the legal requirements. The embassy further expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to invite an OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission—standard practice in past elections, including those held in 2021. It also noted a lack of support for civil society monitoring efforts.

The ruling Georgian Dream party, led by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, has come under increasing criticism both domestically and internationally for legislation seen as limiting foreign involvement in democratic and civic processes.

By Naila Huseynova