EU Says Georgian President's Veto Of 'Foreign Agent' Bill Offers 'Moment Of Reflection'

European Council President Charles Michel says a veto by Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili of a bill targeting media and NGOS that receive foreign funding "offers a moment for further reflection" on the controversial legislation that has sparked weeks of protests in Georgia and concern in the West.

"I call on all politicians and leaders in Georgia to make good use of this window of opportunity and ensure Georgia stays on the European course the population supports," Michel wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The law would require media and NGOs to register as "pursuing the interests of a foreign power" if they receive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad.

The EU offered Georgia candidate status last December but said at the same time that Tbilisi needed to fulfill policy recommendations for its membership bid to move forward. Among other things, Brussels urged Tbilisi to ensure that elections remain free and fair, to fight disinformation "against the EU and its values," and to safeguard the independence of public institutions such as the central bank and anti-corruption bodies.

In announcing her decision on May 18, Zurabishvili, who has increasingly feuded with the ruling Georgian Dream party since it endorsed her candidacy in 2018, said the legislation contradicts Georgia’s constitution and "all European standards," and added that it "must be abolished."

The ruling party, Georgian Dream, has a majority sufficient to override Zurabishvili’s veto and is widely expected to do so in the coming days. Georgian Dream was founded by Russian-friendly billionaire and ex-Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili.

In his post on X, Michel said he would continue to monitor developments in Georgia.

On May 14, Michel said that if Georgians "want to join the EU, they have to respect the fundamental principles of the rule of law and the democratic principles."

Zurabishvili said the Georgian Dream party together with several opposition members of parliament voted through the legislation in defiance of protesters who oppose any shift away from a pro-Western course back toward Russia.

The Law On Transparency Of Foreign Influence has been condemned by the United States, the European Union, and rights watchdogs, and prompted weeks of protests that were repeatedly cracked down on violently by authorities.

On May 15, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell issued a statement in support of the Georgian protesters, condemning what he described as a wave of violence against opposition politicians, activists, journalists, and their families.

Earlier on May 18 opponents of the law were attacked by Georgian Dream supporters outside Tbilisi State University, where they were waiting for the arrival of Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who teaches a course at the university on Saturdays.

Kobakhidze has accused the protesters of "following the agenda of the political minority" and charged that they were showing a "great irresponsibility" toward their country.

Opponents have pointed to the similarity to legislation used by President Vladimir Putin to crush dissent in Russia and stifle independent institutions, prompting Georgians to refer to the measure as "the Russian law."

Zurabishvili used that description in a briefing after announcing her veto.

"This law is a Russian law in essence and spirit, which contradicts our constitution and all European standards. Thus, it represents an obstacle on our European path," she said. "This veto is completely legal and will be delivered to the parliament today."

The law is not subject to any change or improvement, she said, adding that the move is simple veto indicating the draft law "should be repealed."

However, Georgian Dream's parliamentary majority will allow it to easily override the presidential veto.