Updates

In response to feedback from the public and CSOs, the Ministry froze its proposal of legal amendments to enlarge the scope of police surveillance, citing the need for further dialogue to ensure public consensus on safety measures.

Police violently dispersed a 48-hour rally in Tbilisi, detaining at least a dozen demonstrators. The use of excessive force and obstruction of journalistic activities were condemned by civil society, media and the Public Defender of Georgia.

Armenia’s new legislative package is expected to ease the process of organising assemblies and address the practical issues related to policing.

Find out what actions CSO Meter Hub members are undertaking in 2024-25 to advocate for legislative changes.

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.

The White Paper sets the government’s strategic direction for future AI policies, in line with European standards.

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.

From EU accession, through conflict and elections – what trends are affecting civic space in the region?

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).