The Georgian Parliament approved amendments to the Law on Grants in a third reading, with 78 MPs in favor and 9 opposed. The changes introduce stricter rules and criminal liability regarding grant receipt, political activity, and lobbying.
The definition of a “grant” has been significantly broadened. Any funds that could be used to influence the Georgian government, state institutions, or society are now considered grants, and their receipt requires prior government approval. Even technical assistance from foreign experts or funding for branches of foreign organizations now requires government consent.
The legislation also imposes strict penalties: violations of the grant law can result in fines or up to six years in prison, money laundering for political purposes can carry 9–12 years, and foreign lobbying with political funding is punishable by up to six years in prison. Political party restrictions also apply: anyone employed by an organization with more than 20% foreign funding is barred from party membership for eight years.
Business entities are also restricted from public political activities unrelated to their operations. First-time violations carry fines of 20,000 GEL, while repeat offenses may lead to criminal liability. The ruling party describes the amendments as a measure to prevent foreign interference, while parts of the opposition and civil society argue that they may limit independent organizations and critical voices.
