Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili sent a letter to the President of the Venice Commission Claire Bazy Malaurie asking the Commission to provide legal opinions about Transparency of Foreign Influence and Foreign Agents Registration Act bills.

“As Georgia continues to navigate through changing complex regional security environment, new issues start to emerge and become pressing for state authorities to address. Higher standards of transparency and accountability from all stakeholders as well as taking security concerns more seriously are crucial to tackle them effectively.

In this regard, the Parliament of Georgia has decided to introduce new regulations for non-profit organizations (NPOs) operating in Georgia. Two draft laws were proposed in the Parliament – on the “Transparency of Foreign Influence” and on the “Registration of Foreign Agents.” Draft laws aim to ensure at least minimum transparency and accountability of NPOs including when it comes to foreign funding.

As Georgia progresses on the European Union membership path, we are determined to closely work with our international partners to ensure that there is a fine balance between legitimate goals of transparency and security on the one hand and the rights and freedoms of civil society on the other.

Hereby, in the spirit of our decades-long partnership, I would like to ask for the legal opinion of the Venice Commission on the draft laws attached to this letter. Madam Presiden! we are looking forward to our cooperation on this matter. Please, accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration and esteem,” the Speaker said.

The Georgian Parliament adopted the People’s Power-tabled draft bill on Transparency of Foreign Influence in its first reading, with 76 votes in favour and 13 against on March 7.