The EU Delegation to Georgia welcomed the decision by the ruling party to pull the draft law on transparency of foreign influence from Parliament. This update was reported by Imedi, which cited the diplomatic mission’s statement. (Citation: EU Delegation to Georgia statement reported by Imedi)
In its remarks, the European Union urged Georgian political leaders to pursue a renewed and constructive path toward pro-European reforms. (Citation: EU press statement via media coverage)
Officials said they welcomed the ruling party’s plan to withdraw the bill on foreign influence and encouraged all Georgian leaders to engage in inclusive dialogue. The EU framed this as an opportunity to renew pro-European reforms in alignment with the 12 priorities for Georgia’s candidate status. (Citation: EU statement summarizing priorities for Georgia’s candidate status)
Reports indicated that the draft law on foreign agents had previously been poised for action in Parliament, but authorities indicated an intention to pause and explain the measure to the public in upcoming meetings. (Citation: parliamentary updates and EU commentary)
On March 7, the Georgian Parliament gave first reading to the bill “On Transparency of Foreign Influence,” which envisages a register of externally funded non-governmental organizations and media outlets. Protests in Tbilisi grew in the days leading up to substantial parliamentary activity, with demonstrators voicing strong opinions about the law. (Citation: parliamentary records and street reporting)
In a related foreign affairs update, a declaration from the U.S. State Department stated that the bill on transparency of foreign influence could affect the country’s Euro-Atlantic trajectory. (Citation: U.S. State Department briefing)