**Georgia’s FARA Law Sparks International Outrage**
In a move that has drawn widespread criticism from European leaders, Georgia enacted its own version of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) on May 31. The law has been condemned as a serious setback for democracy in the country and a further step away from its EU path.
**EU Leaders Speak Out Against FARA**
High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Marta Kos issued a joint statement expressing their deep concern over the new law. They stated that FARA represents another aggressive action by the Georgian authorities to suppress dissent, restrict freedoms, and further shrink the space for activists, civil society, and independent media.
“This repressive measure threatens the very survival of Georgia’s democratic foundations and the future of its citizens in a free and open society,” Kallas and Kos wrote. They also reiterated the EU’s call on the Georgian authorities to heed their citizens’ clear demands for democracy and a European future, and to release all unjustly detained journalists, activists, protesters, and political leaders.
**International Reaction**
The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway MFA, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, and Latvia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže also spoke out against FARA. They expressed their support for Georgia’s civil society and its work for human rights and democracy in the country.
“The new Foreign Agents Registration Act adds to the recent string of repressive legislation seeking to suppress independent voices in Georgia,” said the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Norway MFA echoed this sentiment, stating that “repressive measures threaten the survival of Georgia’s democratic foundations and its citizens’ future in a free and open society.”
**Fifth President Responds**
Former Georgian president Salome Zurabishvili responded to Commissioner Marta Kos by saying that calling on the GD authorities is “hopeless.” She stated that EU active support is needed for the pro-European citizens of Georgia and their demand for new elections.
**Background**
This move comes as part of a series of repressive laws passed in Georgia aimed at suppressing independent voices. On April 16, 2025, the Georgian Dream government rubber-stamped legislation forcing donors to seek its approval for grant awards, and on May 1, 2025, FARA was rubber-stamped alongside changes to broadcasting law that revived treason charges and removed gender as a category.
**Read More**
To learn more about Georgia’s FARA law and its implications, please visit the original article at [civil.ge](https://civil.ge/archives/684712).
Read More @ civil.ge
