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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2024/2822(RSP))

On the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia

B-10-2024-0083

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group · Rapporteur: Reinier Van Lanschot, Mārtiņš Staķis, Sergey Lagodinsky, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Markéta Gregorová, Ville Niinistö, Mélissa Camara, Hannah Neumann

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This resolution expresses deep concern about democratic backsliding in Georgia, particularly laws on foreign influence and family values, and attacks on civil society and media. It calls on Georgian authorities to respect Venice Commission recommendations, ensure free elections, and stop polarizing rhetoric. It urges the Commission and member states to consider consequences for donor role and possible targeted sanctions.

Key points

  1. Deplores adoption of the law on transparency of foreign influence, which targets NGOs and media receiving over 20% foreign funding, imposing registration and penalties.
  2. Condemns the law on family values and protection of minors, which bans information about sexual orientation and gender identity.
  3. Shares Venice Commission concerns about amendments to the Electoral Code affecting election administration impartiality.
  4. Calls on Georgian authorities to act on Venice Commission recommendations on adopted and proposed laws.
  5. Condemns ruling party's intention to ban opposition parties and polarizing rhetoric, calling on all actors to avoid fueling polarization and false information.
  6. Condemns attacks on civil society and independent media, urging an enabling environment.
  7. Recalls EU candidate status was conditional on nine recommendations, with little progress made.
  8. Calls on Commission and member states to investigate consequences of democratic backsliding for their donor role.
  9. Considers that the Council may adopt targeted sanctions under EU treaties given rule of law violations.
  10. Calls for free, fair elections and urges authorities to allow civil society election observation without hindrance.

Who is affected

  • Civil society organizations and independent media in Georgia, subject to registration and penalties under foreign influence law.
  • Georgian political opposition, threatened with banning by ruling party.
  • Georgian citizens, whose rights to expression and association are restricted.

Figures and deadlines

  • 20% foreign funding threshold triggering registration as 'organisation pursuing the interests of a foreign power'.
  • Administrative penalties up to GEL 25,000 for non-compliance.
  • Over 80% of Georgians wish to join the EU.

Legal basis: Article 29 of the Treaty on European Union and Article 215(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union