Georgia Faces International Backlash Over New Restrictive Funding Law
By Messenger Staff
Monday, March 9, 2026
International human rights bodies and European governments have condemned a new legislative package passed by the Georgian Dream-led parliament, warning that the measures will severely stifle civic and political life in the country.
Adopted on March 4, the laws tighten restrictions on foreign funding, criminalize what the government calls 'external lobbying', and penalize acts intended to create a 'perception' that the government is illegitimate. The package also introduces state control over various political activities and limits the operations of businesses.
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) expressed 'deep concern' over the move, stating the law would have a 'detrimental impact' on freedom of expression. The organization noted that 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 specifically criticized the use of 'broadly and vaguely' defined terms such as 'mass disobedience' or 'extremism', which it warned could lead to arbitrary prosecutions. Under the new rules, receiving foreign funding without government authorization can result in up to six years in prison. The organization stated that criminalising any foreign funding without prior government authorisation, with penalties of up to six years' imprisonment, is a disproportionate measure.
The diplomatic fallout from the legislation has been swift. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos issued a joint statement describing the laws as a 'systematic' effort to restrict "democratic and civic space."
They warned that the partnership between the EU and Georgia is now 'at very serious risk', adding with 'deep regret' that Georgia is now 'a candidate country in name only."
Individual European nations also voiced their disapproval. Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the EU has already suspended the visa-free regime for holders of Georgian diplomatic and service passports as a consequence of the country's continued backsliding on democracy and fundamental rights. Sweden's Ministry for Foreign Affairs described the situation as 'deteriorating further', calling the legislation 'incompatible with democratic principles'. The Swedish authorities urged the Georgian government to reverse their authoritarian course.
Estonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also commented, saying the newly adopted legislation would place political engagement under extensive state control and risk pushing the country further away from its European path. Despite the outcry, Georgian Dream has moved forward with the package, framing it as a necessary step to protect national sovereignty.
