Proposed amendment to Georgia’s Law on Grants exempts EU-funded Horizon Europe, Erasmus+ grants from Government approval

A legislative amendment has been initiated in Georgia’s Law on Grants that would exempt grants awarded under the European Union’s research and innovation programme Horizon Europe and the educational exchange programme Erasmus+ from requiring prior government approval.

According to the explanatory note accompanying the draft law, Georgia contributes financially to the implementation of both programmes. As such, grants issued under Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ are considered to pose a low risk in terms of sovereignty infringement, political interference, or national security concerns.

“Under the current legal framework, grants awarded through Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ require prior government consent. However, since Georgia makes financial contributions to these programmes, the grants they award can be regarded as carrying a reduced risk of compromising national sovereignty, political neutrality, or security. Therefore, it is deemed appropriate to establish an exception for these programmes”, reads the explanatory note to the draft amendment to the Law of Georgia on Grants.

The proposed change reflects Georgia’s growing integration into European research, education, and innovation frameworks and aims to streamline access to EU funding opportunities.