US eyes new sanctions on Georgia over foreign influence law

The United States has not ruled out imposing additional restrictions on Georgia due to the country's law on transparency of foreign influence.

During a regular briefing, Matthew Miller, head of the State Department's press service, expressed concerns about Georgia's current trajectory, stating it "raises alarm" for the US and "distances the country from Euro-Atlantic integration", Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

He specifically addressed the September 2 deadline in Georgia for the registration of organizations under the foreign agents' law, noting apprehension over its application to entities that did not voluntarily register, including civil organizations and independent media.

Miller also reminded that the US had previously imposed visa restrictions on Georgian authorities in response to this law and did not rule out the possibility of further measures.

Georgia's relations with the West have deteriorated significantly after the adoption of a controversial foreign agents law.

The law requires non-governmental organizations (NGOs) receiving foreign funding and engaging in broadly defined political activities to register as foreign agents.

This move has sparked criticism from Western governments and human rights organizations, who argue that it restricts civil liberties and targets independent voices.

The European Union and the United States have voiced concerns, warning that the law could undermine democratic progress and lead to strained diplomatic relations with Georgia.

On July 9, Pawel Herczynski, EU Ambassador in Georgia, announced that a total of 30 million euros ($32.5 million) in financial support, earmarked for Georgia’s Defense Ministry in 2024, has been frozen by the EU.