Georgia updates grant law to combat foreign political influence

Archil Gorduladze, the chair of the Georgian Parliament’s legal affairs committee, on Tuesday clarified the amendment to the law on grants, noting that the changes specifically target the legal definition of what constitutes a “grant” in the context of political activities.

The discussion centered on a provision where certain funds issued by diplomatic missions and similar organizations will no longer be classified as grants. When asked for clarification on these specific types of funds, Gorduladze explained that the amendment is a strategic move to close regulatory gaps. According to Gorduladze, these legislative shifts are a direct reflection of international standards, specifically referencing the United States' Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

“As for the specific issue, the legislative initiative, everyone knows very well that several changes have been implemented from a legislative standpoint at our team's initiative. Its goal is, on the one hand, to ensure transparency and provide the public with information regarding funds brought in from abroad. On the other hand, it aims to protect the country's security and sovereignty at a time when we hear statements from foreign officials -especially high-ranking ones - that they will do everything to find 'loopholes' and legislative gaps in our country to bring in funds”, the official said.

“They intend to finance those individuals whom they consider [the only] citizens, while it is as if the millions of other people in our country are not even human beings. Focusing on a small group is, of course, unacceptable for any state. Based on this exact same approach, other countries also try to protect themselves from external interference. It is precisely for this purpose that we have already introduced numerous changes to the legislative space. Regarding this specific amendment to the law on grants, it concerns the definition of political activity and what is categorised as a grant”, he concluded.