“USAID, NED, and other relevant funds were closed by the decision of the American administration. However, against this backdrop, we see that informal forces with excessive influence, particularly over political processes in Europe, are planning to use European funds to pursue the same objectives,” said Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in response to a journalist’s question regarding the European Commission’s plan to increase funding for NGOs and the media by almost 600%.

According to the Prime Minister, Georgia does not need artificial intervention in its internal affairs, and the future of the Georgian state should be determined solely by its people.

“We must protect our country from such interference. The fate of the Georgian state must be decided by the Georgian people, in Georgia—this is our clear and firm position. This principle is reflected in the Law on Transparency, the Law on Grants, and other legislation of Georgia. Naturally, we will uphold it to the end,” the Prime Minister emphasized.