Georgia approves bill outlawing foreign grants without government approval

Georgia passes amendments to grant law

At a plenary session, the ruling Georgian Dream party approved in the third reading a bill banning the receipt of foreign grants without government permission. The initiative passed with 82 votes in favour and none against.

The bill was reviewed under an expedited procedure.

'They want to strip people of access to free aid' – opinion from Georgia

Saba Brachveli: “The government wants to decide for itself what kind of free aid people can receive, from whom, and under what conditions.”

According to the amendments to the Law on Grants, receiving a foreign grant will now require the approval of the government or an authorised official. The government will have ten days to approve or reject the grant. Appealing the decision will not suspend its enforcement.

Compliance with the law will be monitored by the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Accepting a grant without approval will result in a fine equal to twice the amount of the grant received.

SJC: 'Reasonable interpretation of FARA in Georgia will keep media and NGOs out of its scope'

“However, Georgian Dream views this law precisely in the context of gaining control over media and NGOs.”