CoE Commissioner Urges Georgian Dream Parliament to Reject Foreign Funding Amendments
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Michael O'Flaherty, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, has called on Georgia's disputed Parliament to reject proposed legislative amendments that would further tighten restrictions on civil society organizations receiving foreign funding.
In a statement released on February 2, as Parliament opened its spring session, O'Flaherty said he was concerned about amendments to seven different laws that would significantly expand state control over grants and foreign-funded activities.
"I am concerned by the proposed amendments to seven different laws, which, if adopted, would impose significant restrictions on civil society organisations," the Commissioner said. "These proposals are inconsistent with Georgia's obligations under international law to guarantee the right to freedom of association."
The amendments, proposed on January 28, would broaden the definition of a grant to include almost any monetary or in-kind transaction if authorities believe it serves political purposes or the interests of foreign actors. According to O'Flaherty, such a definition is overly broad and risks placing ordinary civil society work under constant state scrutiny.
"This definition is too broad and risks subjecting the ordinary and legitimate activities of civil society to undue state scrutiny, effectively undermining public advocacy and participation in democratic life," he said.
Under the proposed rules, foreign organizations would continue to need government approval before issuing grants to Georgian groups. The amendments would also extend these requirements to organizations operating outside Georgia if their work involves Georgia-related issues, as well as to foreign organizations hiring experts and local branches of international groups. Violations could be punished with prison sentences of up to six years.
O'Flaherty warned that the changes build on a series of restrictive laws adopted since 2024 that have already weakened civil society in Georgia. He said the legislation raises serious concerns about compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, and non-discrimination.
"These changes amplify a series of restrictive laws and regulations adopted since 2024, which have severely undermined civil society in Georgia," he noted.
Calling civil society a foundation of democracy, the Commissioner urged Georgian authorities to reverse course. "A vibrant civil society is a cornerstone of any democratic society," O'Flaherty said. "I call upon Georgian authorities to respect their obligations under the ECHR and to guarantee the right to freedom of association, and to end all forms of harassment and intimidation directed at civil society actors."
The Georgian Dream Parliament is expected to consider the amendments under a standard legislative procedure, rather than an expedited process.
