Georgia’s controversial law on “foreign agents” took effect on Thursday, August 1, requiring organizations that receive foreign funding to register as "agents of foreign influence."
The law was passed by Georgia's parliament in June, and mandates that organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as "agents of foreign influence."
The passing of legislation caused widespread protests and international condemnation.
Critics argue that the law closely resembles legislation used by the Kremlin to suppress dissent and that it could hinder Georgia’s efforts to join the EU.
On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a pause of more than $95 million in assistance to Georgia.
“The Georgian government’s anti-democratic actions and false statements are incompatible with membership norms in the EU and NATO,” Blinken said in a statement released at the end of a six-nation tour of Asia.
"Washington will continue assistance that benefits the people of the South Caucasus country," he added.
The EU awarded candidate status to Georgia at the end of 2023, but relations soured following the enactment of the “foreign agents” bill.
On June 27, the European Council stated that the law signifies a regression in Georgia’s progress toward EU membership, bringing the accession process to a standstill.
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