Georgian Parliament Passes Draft Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence in First Reading

The Parliament of Georgia, in its first reading, adopted the draft law "On Transparency of Foreign Influence" with 83 votes in favor.

The vote followed three days of vigorous discussions during committee sessions and plenary meetings.

The bill, reintroduced by the "Georgian Dream" faction, aims to enhance transparency by requiring registration for non-entrepreneurial (non-commercial) legal entities and media organizations that receive more than 20% of their funding from foreign sources, classifying them as organizations operating under foreign influence. Entities identified under this law must register as "organizations operating under foreign influence" in a public register. This registration must include reported income. Additionally, these organizations will be required to submit an annual financial declaration.