Summary of the day
Georgia’s parliament overrode a presidential veto of the controversial ‘foreign agents’ law.
The law, which has been heavily criticised domestically and internationally, will require organisations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence.
Critics have dubbed the legislation the ‘Russian law’ and say it will undermine independent civil society and move Georgia further away from the west.
Protesters have gathered outside of Georgia’s parliament.
In a statement, the EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, together with the European Commission, said “the EU and its Member States are considering all options to react to these developments.”
The statement also noted that “we continue to stand with the Georgian people and recognise the choice of overwhelming majority of them for a European future for their country.”
Tina Bokuchava, parliamentary leader of the opposition United National Movement (UNM) party, said that “ahead of October’s elections, it is essential that opposition leaders rally together to rescind this Kremlin-inspired law and get Georgia back on the European track.”
Michael Roth, the chair of the German Bundestag’s foreign affairs committee, said it’s “a sad day for Georgia and Europe” and called on Georgians not to give up.
Lars Løkke Rasmussen, the Danish foreign minister, said that “unless the ruling party changes its course of action, Georgia will not advance on path to EU membership.”
Gabrielius Landsbergis, the Lithuanian foreign minister, said “the passing of this law effectively puts Georgia’s accession to the EU on hold, with no benefit for anybody. Almost anybody.”
Baiba Braže, Latvia’s foreign minister, said that “last year the EU gave a chance to Georgia by granting her a candidate status. This was a historical moment for Georgia and clearly supported by its people. Sad day.”
Margus Tsahkna, the Estonian foreign minister, said “we are dismayed by Georgia’s Parliament’s choice not to use the historic opportunity to move on with the European integration & to leave its people in the enlargement waiting room for indefinite future.”
Anna Fotyga, a Polish member of the European parliament, said “it should be the Georgian Dream leadership that pays the price for its harmful policy of rapprochement with the bloody Kremlin regime.”
“We shouldn’t punish the people of Georgia, who, despite repressions, are courageously upholding their desire to join Euro-Atlantic institutions,” she added.
It should be the Georgian Dream leadership that pays the price for its harmful policy of rapprochement with the bloody Kremlin regime. We shouldn't punish the people of Georgia, who, despite repressions, are courageously upholding their desire to join Euro-Atlantic institutions.… https://t.co/m32frrXsw5
— Anna Fotyga (@AnnaFotyga_PE) May 28, 2024
