Since 2024, Georgia’s legal and institutional framework has been changing at an unusually rapid pace. A series of legislative and institutional measures targeting the independent civil society operational space and media included the adoption of the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence (2024), the Foreign Agents Registration Act (2025), amendments to the Law on Grants and rules governing assemblies, changes to parliamentary procedures, and the abolition of specialised oversight bodies. In March 2026, restrictions on foreign funding were further strengthened, including through the introduction of criminal penalties for civil society activities.

These vague legislative and institutional changes have, essentially, limited in practice the space for civil society organisations (CSOs), independent media, activists and citizens to access funding, advocate for policy change, scrutinize public institutions, organize or participate in protests, carry out political and civic activity, and work with international partners. Their combined impact is crucial to understanding the general deterioration of human rights and civic space in Georgia.

Eroding HumanRights Protections in Georgia: A Review of Legislative, Policy andInstitutional Changes