The Open Government Partnership (OGP) suspended Georgia’s membership, citing a failure to implement steps outlined after an earlier suspension in 2024.
The OGP says the decision follows a review process and reflects concerns that the conditions for participation are not currently being met in Georgia.
“The Open Government Partnership is rooted in the principle that governments and civil society must be able to work together in an environment that protects fundamental freedoms. After a comprehensive and fair review process, the conclusion was that these conditions are not currently met in Georgia,” said Aidan Eyakuze, CEO of the OGP.
A group of Georgian non-governmental organizations, including Transparency International–Georgia, the Institute for the Development of Freedom of Information, Green Alternative, the Georgian Young Lawyers Association, and the Civil Society Institute, said the decision confirms that Georgia has departed from democratic standards.
The OGP said a country excluded from the partnership may rejoin in the future if it meets compliance criteria, including commitments to the Open Government Declaration and verification of required values.
Georgia was first informed of its suspension on October 16, 2024, with the OGP citing the “Agents Law,” which remains in force and applies to grant-funded NGOs and media organizations, as discriminatory.
The OGP was founded in 2011 by the presidents of the United States and Brazil to promote government transparency and public participation. Georgia joined the initiative in 2011.
In 2018, Georgia hosted the OGP Global Summit in Tbilisi, and in 2019 it was re-elected to the OGP Steering Committee for a three-year term until 2022.
