The United States is set to impose visa restrictions and reassess its relations with Georgia due to a contentious “foreign agent” bill that has incited widespread protests across the country. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Thursday that these restrictions would target individuals responsible for undermining democracy in Georgia, along with their family members.
“US support for Georgia’s democracy is longstanding and foundational to our bilateral relationship,” Blinken stated. “Anyone who undermines democratic processes or institutions in Georgia – including in the lead-up to, during, and following Georgia’s October 2024 elections – may be found ineligible for US visas under this policy and precluded from travel to the United States.” He emphasized that the proposed law would suppress citizens’ freedom of association and expression, and impede the work of independent media organizations providing high-quality information to Georgians.
Blinken expressed hope that Georgian leaders would reconsider the draft law and take steps to align with the nation’s democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. The bill, passed by the ruling Georgian Dream party last week, mandates that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and media outlets receiving more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad must register as entities “pursuing the interests of a foreign power.” Non-compliance would result in fines of up to 25,000 lari ($9,200), with additional fines of 20,000 lari ($7,300) for each month of continued non-compliance.
Critics argue that the Georgian Dream party, in power since 2012, has modeled this legislation after Russian laws used to stifle dissent. Following the bill’s passage on May 14, thousands of protesters clashed with police outside the parliament building in Tbilisi. The US has urged Georgia to scrap the legislation, warning that it could jeopardize the country’s aspirations to join the European Union and establish closer ties with NATO.
Georgia applied to join the EU in 2022 and was granted candidate status in December of the same year. However, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the legislation would be a “serious obstacle for Georgia in its European perspective.” Despite these warnings, proponents of the legislation, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, argue that the measures are necessary to promote transparency, combat “pseudo-liberal values” promoted by foreigners, and protect the country’s sovereignty.
President Salome Zourabichvili vetoed the bill on Saturday, citing its incompatibility with the constitution. However, her veto is expected to only temporarily delay the legislation, as the governing party has enough votes in parliament to override it in an upcoming vote.
The bill’s passage has drawn international criticism and sparked domestic unrest, with many viewing it as a tool to limit civil society and free speech. The Georgian government’s insistence on pushing forward with the legislation, despite widespread opposition, underscores the deepening political divide within the country and its potential repercussions on Georgia’s international relationships.
The move to impose visa restrictions highlights the US’s commitment to supporting democratic institutions and processes in Georgia. By targeting individuals undermining democracy, the US aims to pressure the Georgian government to reconsider its stance on the controversial bill. This action also reflects broader concerns about the erosion of democratic norms in the region, particularly in light of similar legislative efforts in Russia and other authoritarian states.
As Georgia continues to navigate its path toward greater integration with Western institutions, the outcome of this legislative battle will be closely watched. The international community, including the US and EU, will likely continue to play a significant role in shaping Georgia’s democratic trajectory and supporting its civil society against efforts to curtail freedoms and transparency. The ongoing protests and the government’s response will serve as a critical test of Georgia’s commitment to democratic principles and its future as a member of the Euro-Atlantic community.
