Georgian PM: EU sought repeal of laws key to Georgia’s national identity and sovereignty

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday said that the European Union demanded the repeal of Georgia’s transparency law and the law on family values and the protection of minors, describing both pieces of legislation as essential for safeguarding the country’s national identity and sovereignty.

Speaking at a briefing at the Government Administration, Kobakhidze said the transparency law is a direct analogue of the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), translated “word for word”, and argued that its implementation is fundamentally important for Georgia.

He further added that the EU has also publicly called on Georgia to join sanctions imposed on Russia, a move he said would have had devastating consequences for the Georgian economy.

Kobakhidze criticised what he described as unfair decisions and double standards toward Georgia, pointing to European Parliament resolutions, sanctions, and repeated warnings regarding the country’s visa-free travel regime with the European Union.

“Look at their declared statements, specific unfair decisions, absurd resolutions, imposed sanctions, double standards, constant threats to revoke visa liberalization for the Georgian people, and the conditions that have existed and continue to exist for Georgia”, Kobakhidze said.

He reiterated that the EU had demanded the repeal of the transparency law and the law on family values and the protection of minors, which he said are crucial for protecting Georgia’s sovereignty and national identity.

The Prime Minister also stated that Brussels had publicly requested, and continues to request, that Georgia align with sanctions against Russia, arguing that such a step would have caused severe economic damage to the country.