The United States announced new visa restrictions and a comprehensive review of its relations with Georgia, following the country’s adoption of a controversial “foreign influence” law reminiscent of Russian policies, which has incited mass protests.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a statement on Thursday, outlined the new visa policy targeting individuals responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia, along with their family members. He also revealed that Washington is initiating a thorough review of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Georgia.
The Georgian bill mandates NGOs and media outlets receiving over 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as entities “pursuing the interests of a foreign power.” Despite significant protests, Georgian lawmakers passed the law last week, prompting critics to warn that it would silence opposition groups and steer the former Soviet republic away from its pro-Western orientation towards Russia.
The ruling Georgian Dream party maintains that the law aims to enhance transparency regarding NGO funding and asserts its commitment to EU membership. However, President Salome Zurabishvili vetoed the law on Saturday, though lawmakers possess the necessary votes to override her decision.
Blinken emphasized that “anyone who undermines democratic processes or institutions in Georgia — including in the lead-up to, during, and following Georgia’s October 2024 elections — may be found ineligible for US visas,” including their immediate family members. Critics argue that the Georgian measure echoes Russian legislation used to suppress dissent, with Brussels warning that it is “incompatible” with Tbilisi’s aspirations for European Union membership.
The Secretary of State expressed hope that Georgia’s leaders would reconsider the draft law and take steps to advance their nation’s democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. He underscored that the US review of bilateral relations would factor in Georgia’s actions.
Georgia’s ruling party has been widely accused of straying from its EU membership path and moving closer to Russia. Nonetheless, the party insists it remains committed to EU and NATO membership, which are enshrined in the country’s constitution and supported by over 80 percent of the population.
