The European Commission has earmarked a substantial grant to bolster civil society in Georgia, totaling 9.2 million euros. This financial support is aimed at strengthening the capacity of non-governmental organizations, community groups, and watchdog bodies that participate in public life across the country. The initiative is framed as a step toward more robust civic participation and enhanced public accountability within Georgia’s democratic system.
Documents circulated by the EC outline several key objectives. One core aim is to support the organization of fair elections by improving the transparency and effectiveness of civil society oversight during electoral processes. In addition, the funding is intended to assist Georgia’s broader integration with the European Union by reinforcing norms and practices that align with EU standards on governance, rule of law, and democratic participation.
Beyond electoral integrity and EU alignment, the grant seeks to elevate the role of civil society in monitoring and guiding public administration reforms. This includes encouraging decentralization, strengthening transparency in public institutions, and promoting accountability at all levels of government. In practical terms, this means empowering civil society actors to monitor policy implementation, assess the performance of local and national authorities, and provide constructive feedback that informs reform decisions.
Importantly, the package is designed to broaden civic involvement and create pathways for sustained democratic oversight of Georgia’s EU accession trajectory. By supporting capacity building, the EC hopes to cultivate a more engaged citizenry that can actively participate in decision-making processes and help ensure that reform commitments are realized in a transparent, verifiable manner.
Responses from regional and international observers have emphasized the potential significance of this funding for Georgia’s reform agenda. In remarks reported by a major broadcaster, Peter Fischer, a former German ambassador to Georgia, welcomed the authorities’ decision to withdraw controversial measures related to transparency of foreign influence and the registration of foreign agents. He characterized the move as a historic opportunity for Tbilisi and Brussels to advance the European integration path, highlighting the political and civic implications of ensuring open governance as part of the EU accession process. The statement underscored the belief that broad civil society engagement and credible public accountability mechanisms will be essential to meeting EU standards and achieving long-term stability and prosperity in Georgia.