Georgia's Foreign Agents Registration Act marks a serious setback for the country's democracy. Alongside recent laws on broadcasting and grants, it represents another aggressive action by the Georgian authorities to suppress dissent, restrict freedoms, and further shrink the space for activists, civil society, and independent media. These repressive measures threaten the very survival of Georgia's democratic foundations and the future of its citizens in a free and open society.
In its June and October 2024 conclusions, the European Council found that such course of action jeopardized Georgia's EU path. The accession process has been de facto halted. The EU reiterates its call on the Georgian authorities to heed their citizens' clear demands for democracy and a European future, and to release all unjustly detained journalists, activists,protesters, and political leaders. The EU is ready to consider the return of Georgia to the EU accession path if the authorities take credible steps to reverse democratic backsliding. The responsibility lies solely with the Georgian authorities.
