**Georgia Relaxes Rules on Foreign Grants**
The Georgian government has made it easier for foreign organizations to give grants in the country. The changes were approved by parliament and will allow international donors, governments, and organizations to provide funding without needing permission from the government.
Until now, any grant from a foreign source had to be approved by the government before it could be accepted. This meant that any funds provided by international donors, such as the European Union, had to be checked and approved by the authorities before they could be used in Georgia.
**New Rules Streamline Process**
Under the new rules, grants provided by the European Union’s research and innovation program, Horizon Europe, and the Erasmus+ program will no longer require government approval. This will make it easier for Georgian organizations to receive funding from these programs.
The changes also broaden the definition of what constitutes a grant. Technical assistance, such as sharing technologies or expertise, will now be considered a type of grant. Additionally, defense and security have been added to the list of areas where grants can be issued.
**International Organizations Included**
The revised law now includes international organizations in the list of donors that are allowed to provide grants without government approval. This means that any funds provided by these organizations will be considered a grant, making it easier for them to support projects and initiatives in Georgia.
**Monitoring and Oversight**
Despite the changes, the Georgian Anti-Corruption Bureau will still monitor the issuance and receipt of grants to ensure that they are being used properly and without corruption.
The new law was adopted unanimously by parliament and is seen as a way to simplify the process of receiving foreign funding. The changes are expected to make it easier for Georgian organizations to access funds from international donors and organizations.
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