Georgian PM says transparency law shields country from foreign funding influence

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday said the mission of funding agent network in the country once carried out by American foundations was now fully transitioning to the European Union, emphasising that his Government had already safeguarded itself against such processes in recent years, primarily through the adoption of the transparency law.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Kobakhidze stressed that his Government’s priority was to protect the state and its sovereignty.

“The mission of funding agent networks was previously undertaken by American foundations, such as USAID and NED. However, European foundations, like the EU’s EED, have also been active in this regard. The mission that American foundations once carried out is now moving entirely to the EU and European space. Several years ago, we secured our country against such processes, mainly through the transparency law, which has already shown results. Our goal is to protect the state and its sovereignty to the fullest. We will not allow any funding of agents in Georgia”, the PM said.

The Prime Minister described NGOs as “an entirely artificial phenomenon”, created and funded for the sole purpose of foreign interference in another country’s political affairs.

“For us, such foreign interference and attempts to undermine our sovereignty are unacceptable. These risks have already been mitigated through the transparency law. If additional mechanisms are needed, we will implement them. One EU Commissioner publicly stated that they are seeking ways to circumvent the law. How a European bureaucrat can make such a statement, disregarding all legal principles and the principle of sovereignty, is beyond comprehension. Of course, we will not allow anyone to bypass our legislation or violate our sovereignty”, he concluded.