What to know about Georgia’s ‘most dangerous’ legislation yet

Georgia’s EU U-Turn What to know about Georgia’s ‘most dangerous’ legislation yet

Georgian Dream’s latest legislative amendments have intensified concerns regarding the ruling party’s increasing control over the nation. This new legislation is being widely considered the most restrictive and dangerous law adopted to date. The amendments, passed on March 4th, significantly expand the government’s ability to control international funding, introduce stricter regulations on political activity, and threaten imprisonment for those publicly questioning the government’s legitimacy.

While restrictive laws have become commonplace in Georgia’s political landscape, critics emphasize the severity of these latest changes, noting their potential consequences exceed previous measures. Legal experts have analyzed the amendments, revealing a tightening of control over international funding. The definition of a “grant” has been broadened, potentially subjecting a wide range of resources—including individual transfers and seminars—to government approval.

This continues a trend initiated by Georgian Dream, targeting international funding for independent media and civil society organizations, particularly since April 2025 when foreign grants became subject to approval and fines for unauthorized receipt were introduced. The legislation defines grants to include funds provided by foreign citizens or entities engaged in activities related to Georgia, intended to influence government policy or society. Technical assistance, such as specialized knowledge or services, is also classified as a grant if deemed to serve these purposes.

All such resources require prior government approval, even those received a month before the amendments took effect but not yet utilized. The amendments, supported by 78 MPs, include penalties of up to six years imprisonment for violations. Legal observers, like Nika Simonishvili, argue the law allows Georgian Dream to arbitrarily define a grant and impose restrictions.

Saba Brachveli notes that these restrictions and penalties surpass those found in countries with harsh legislation, describing the law as “the most dangerous and restrictive law adopted [in Georgia] so far.” The Ministry of Justice will now oversee issues concerning civil society covered by the law. The broad scope of the amendments raises concerns about everyday resources, such as medication or books, potentially being treated as unauthorized and subject to punitive action. What to know about this significant shift in Georgia’s legal landscape.

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