The Parliament of Georgia has approved amendments to the Law of Georgia on Grants in a fast-tracked third reading, introducing stricter rules on how foreign funding is classified and regulated.
Under the new provisions, financial support provided by foreign diplomatic missions, consulates and international organizations accredited in Georgia will no longer be classified as grants if it is related to activities serving the political or public interests of a foreign state or political party.
The change effectively narrows the legal definition of grants and places additional restrictions on certain categories of foreign-funded activities.
The amendments also introduce specific exemptions. The new laws governing foreign grant issuance will not apply to:
- Georgia Red Cross Society
- Financial and credit institutions
These entities will be able to issue or receive grants outside the scope of the new regulatory framework.
The latest amendments follow earlier changes adopted in March, which introduced stricter controls over foreign funding and established new legal liabilities, including criminal responsibilities for recognition of governmental authority under certain circumstances.
Lawmakers say the changes are intended to refine the legal framework governing foreign funding and ensure greater oversight. Critics, however, have previously raised concerns about the broader impact of such measures on civil society and international cooperation.
