New rules on lobbying establish more transparent requirements for lobbyists. Still, increased control and the possibility of pressure from authorities could create risks for civil society organisations.
The Government of Georgia has been officially suspended from the Open Government Partnership (OGP) following its failure to address concerns related to recent legislative measures that threaten civic freedoms and fundamental rights.
Georgian civil society and media organisations filed an appeal against the restrictive ‘foreign agent law’ at the ECHR, highlighting the law's threat to fundamental freedoms and Georgia's European integration aspirations.
Despite widespread concerns from civil society, the Court's decision allows the foreign agent law to remain in effect until a final ruling is made. This has heightened fears of a shrinking civic space and Georgia’s commitment to EU integration.
CSOs criticise the law on the “Protection of Family Values and Minors” for restricting freedom of assembly and being used to divert public attention from urgent issues like poverty and inflation.
Proposed amendments to the Criminal Code would criminalise almost any possible violations in the field of foreign aid, including in the early stage of receiving aid (even if the aid is used for permitted purposes and not prohibited ones).
The criminal conviction against Hrodna Children's Hospice director in absentia becomes the first recorded verdict under article 193(1) of the criminal Code since its re-introduction in early 2022.
Following the adoption of the ‘Mobilisation Law’, the new Order No. 160 allows CSOs funded by international donors to continue their critical humanitarian projects.