Law would ban foreign donations to media and NGOs and require disclosure of foreign funding
A draft law that would ban foreign donations to media and NGOs and require disclosure of foreign funding has raised concerns that it could derail Georgia’s bid to join the European Union.
The law, which was submitted to parliament by the ruling Georgian Dream party, has been criticized by opposition parties, civil society groups, and international organizations.
They argue that the law would stifle freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and freedom of association, and would make it more difficult for NGOs to operate in Georgia.
The EU has also expressed concerns about the law, saying that it could undermine Georgia’s democratic development and its ability to meet the EU’s membership criteria.
The law is currently being debated in parliament, and it is unclear whether it will be passed. However, if it is passed, it could have a significant impact on Georgia’s EU bid.
Key provisions of the draft law
The draft law would:
* Ban foreign donations to media and NGOs
* Require disclosure of foreign funding
* Establish a new agency to oversee the implementation of the law
Arguments in favor of the law
Supporters of the law argue that it is necessary to protect Georgia from foreign interference. They say that foreign governments and organizations are trying to influence Georgia’s politics and society, and that the law is needed to prevent this.
They also argue that the law is in line with the laws of other countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
Arguments against the law
Opponents of the law argue that it is unnecessary and that it will stifle freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and freedom of association.
They say that there is no evidence of foreign interference in Georgia, and that the law is simply a way for the government to silence its critics.
They also argue that the law is discriminatory, as it only applies to foreign funding.
EU concerns
The EU has expressed concerns about the law, saying that it could undermine Georgia’s democratic development and its ability to meet the EU’s membership criteria.
The EU has said that the law is not in line with the EU’s values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.
The EU has also said that the law could make it more difficult for Georgia to implement the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, which is a key step in Georgia’s EU integration process.
Conclusion
The draft law on foreign influence is a controversial piece of legislation that could have a significant impact on Georgia’s EU bid.
The law is currently being debated in parliament, and it is unclear whether it will be passed. However, if it is passed, it could have a negative impact on Georgia’s democracy and its ability to meet the EU’s membership criteria.
Kind regards E. Thompson.
