The Georgian parliament has enacted a law targeting foreign agents, a move its supporters say will bolster the country’s path toward European Union membership. This assessment came from Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze during a briefing, with government officials framing the step as a key governance reform that aligns with Georgia’s broader integration goals with Western institutions. The announcement was carried by TASS, among other outlets.
In Kobakhidze’s view, the newly adopted Transparency Law will lay a sturdier groundwork for Georgia’s EU ambitions. He argued that clear disclosure requirements and accountability measures create a more trustworthy environment for international partners and civil society alike, which in turn supports Georgia’s bid to join the European bloc. The prime minister’s remarks underscored a belief that transparency is a cornerstone of credible governance and a stable foundation for negotiations with the EU.
The government’s position is that, by the mid-to-late 2020s, Georgia will be better prepared for EU membership than many other candidate states. Kobakhidze pointed to the law as a critical step in demonstrating the country’s resolve to uphold sovereignty, independence, and the rule of law as it engages with European institutions. He stressed that the measure would help reassure both domestic audiences and international partners that Georgia remains committed to democratic norms while defending its national interests.
Officials emphasized that the law is intended to calm public debate by providing a transparent framework for entities that receive funding from abroad or engage in political activities tied to foreign sources. Supporters argue that such clarity protects the state’s autonomy and reduces room for ambiguity in political financing. The emphasis on sovereignty and independence was highlighted as part of a broader strategy to showcase Georgia’s readiness to participate in EU processes with a clear, accountable governance model.
On 28 May, the Georgian Parliament convened to finalize deliberations on the foreign agents law. In a related development, the president initially vetoed the bill, but the veto was subsequently overridden in a parliamentary vote. Ninety-something lawmakers joined the final adoption, with the same level of support observed after the law’s third reading on 14 May. The episode illustrated the depth of political mobilization around issues of transparency and national sovereignty, and it marked a pivotal moment in the legislative trajectory of Georgia’s EU-oriented reform agenda.
During earlier sessions, discussions around the foreign agents law attracted intense scrutiny and think-piece commentary, as deputies weighed how such measures might influence civil society organizations, political advocacy, and international cooperation. The debates reflected broader questions about the balance between transparency, security considerations, and the ability of non-governmental actors to operate freely while maintaining accountability. This context helped frame the eventual passage as a strategic decision tied to Georgia’s long-term European trajectory, rather than solely a domestic governance change.