The United States has announced new visa restrictions and a review of its relations with Georgia in response to the country’s controversial “foreign agent” bill, which has incited widespread protests.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Thursday that the visa restrictions would target individuals responsible for undermining democracy in Georgia, as well as their family members. He emphasized that US support for Georgia’s democracy is a foundational aspect of the bilateral relationship. “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 under this policy and precluded from travel to the United States,” Blinken said.
Blinken criticized the proposed law, which he said would stifle Georgians’ freedom of association and expression and impede independent media organizations from providing high-quality information. He expressed hope that Georgia’s leaders would reconsider the draft law and take steps to advance the nation’s democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. The US review of the bilateral relationship will consider Georgia’s actions moving forward.
The bill, passed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, requires NGOs and media outlets receiving more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as bodies “pursuing the interests of a foreign power.” Non-compliance would result in fines of up to 25,000 lari ($9,200), with additional monthly fines of 20,000 lari ($7,300) for continued non-compliance.
Critics accuse Georgian Dream, in power since 2012, of emulating Russian legislation designed to suppress dissent. Following the bill’s passage on May 14, thousands of protesters clashed with police outside the parliament building in Tbilisi.
The US has urged Georgia to abandon the legislation, warning it could jeopardize the country’s aspirations to join the European Union and establish closer ties with NATO. Georgia applied for EU membership in 2022 and was granted candidate status in December last year. Earlier this month, Ursula von der Leyen, president of the EU Commission, warned that the legislation would be a “serious obstacle for Georgia in its European perspective.”
Supporters of the bill, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, argue that the measures are necessary for promoting transparency, combating “pseudo-liberal values” promoted by foreigners, and safeguarding national sovereignty. However, President Salome Zourabichvili vetoed the bill on Saturday, citing its incompatibility with the constitution. Despite this, the governing party has enough votes in parliament to override the veto in an upcoming vote.
