Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry expressed concern over Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s justification for a controversial foreign agents law, which he claimed was necessary to protect Georgia from “Ukrainization” and strengthen its sovereignty for EU integration. The bill, introduced by Kobakhidze’s Georgian Dream party and known as the “Russian law” due to its resemblance to Russian legislation targeting Kremlin critics, would require organizations receiving foreign funding to be labeled as “foreign agents.” Despite opposition and mass protests against the law, it was approved by 83 lawmakers in Georgia’s parliament, with opposition lawmakers boycotting the vote.
The reintroduction of the foreign agents bill in Georgia, which had been initially abandoned in 2023 after sparking mass demonstrations, has raised concerns both domestically and internationally. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry condemned Kobakhidze’s comments, stating that mentioning Ukraine in an offensive context was damaging to Ukrainian-Georgian relations. The Ministry emphasized that Russification, not mythical “Ukrainization,” posed a real threat to Georgia, and reaffirmed Ukraine’s support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The Ministry highlighted the importance of respecting the rights and freedoms of citizens and involving civil society in addressing significant social issues to build towards a European future.
The foreign agents law in Georgia has been heavily criticized for its implications on freedom of speech, civil society, and democratic values. The legislation mirrors similar laws in Russia, which have been used to suppress dissent and target opposition voices. The Georgian Dream party’s justification for the law as a means to defend against foreign influence and strengthen sovereignty for EU integration has been met with skepticism and condemnation. Critics argue that the law will stifle independent voices, restrict civil society organizations, and undermine democratic principles in Georgia.
The passage of the foreign agents law in Georgia marks a concerning development in the country’s political landscape, with tensions rising between the government and opposition forces. The move has sparked protests and raised alarm over the erosion of democratic institutions and values in Georgia. International observers, including Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, have expressed solidarity with Georgian civil society and urged the government to uphold fundamental rights and freedoms. The targeting of organizations receiving foreign funding as “foreign agents” has raised fears of increased state control over civil society and potential repercussions for independent media and activism in the country.
As Georgia moves forward with implementing the foreign agents law, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely and voice support for democratic values and human rights. Ukraine’s stance on the issue reflects a broader concern for the protection of democratic norms and principles in the region. The response from Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry underscores the importance of respecting sovereignty, upholding human rights, and fostering civil society engagement in the pursuit of a European future. The controversy surrounding the foreign agents law in Georgia serves as a reminder of the challenges facing democratic governance and the need for continued vigilance in defending fundamental freedoms and rights.
