EU considers suspending aid to Georgia over foreign agents law

The European Union is contemplating the suspension of all financial assistance to the government of Georgia following the enactment of the country's "Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence."

According to Report, Peter Stano, a spokesperson for the EU's foreign policy service, expressed the bloc's serious concerns over recent developments in Georgia during an interview with Europa Press.

Stano emphasized that the implementation of the foreign agents law is viewed as a step backward on Georgia's path towards European integration.

The EU had previously frozen a €30 million aid package intended to strengthen Georgia's defense capabilities and has reduced political contacts with Georgian authorities, except for those aimed at finding a resolution to the current situation.

The law, which came into force on August 1, mandates that NGOs and media outlets receiving at least 20% of their income from foreign sources must register in a "register of organizations conducting the interests of a foreign power."

These entities are required to submit annual declarations of income and expenditure to the Ministry of Justice, with non-compliance resulting in substantial fines.