The Parliament of Georgia has considered amendments to the Law on Grants in the first reading under an expedited procedure, unanimously approving them with 80 votes, the Parliament reported.

According to the draft law, funds issued by diplomatic missions, consular offices, and representations of international organizations accredited in Georgia—when used or intended for activities related to the political or public interests, approaches, or relations of a foreign government or political party—will no longer be classified as grants.

As explained by the rapporteur, Chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee Archil Gorduladze, funding received by a foreign embassy from its own state for the purpose of carrying out official activities will not be considered a grant and therefore will not require consent from the Georgian government.

However, under the proposed amendments, if an embassy intends to issue a grant to a Georgian citizen, individual, or legal entity, prior agreement with the Government of Georgia will still be required.