Tbilisi
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom has been active in the South Caucasus since 1996. The work began with projects of the political education in Azerbaijan, from 2002 also in Armenia and Georgia. The office is located in Tbilisi, Georgia. The main focus of the work is the transformation process of former soviet republics towards modern democracies with free political systems based on social market economy and the rule of law.
News
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Statement by the German Political Foundations in Georgia on the Law on "Transparency of Foreign Influence"
Representatives of German political foundations in Georgia sound the alarm over a proposed draft law on "transparency of Foreign Powers". Urging Georgia's Parliament to heed the nation's aspirations for a European path, they warn that the proposed legislation threatens to stifle civil society and independent media.
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A Destructive Venture
The draft "transparency of foreign influence" law in Georgia poses a severe threat to civil society and democratic freedoms. With ambiguous definitions, excessive scope, and draconian penalties, the law enables arbitrary enforcement to repress any kind of dissent ahead of the 2024 elections. Non-profit entities receiving over 20% foreign funding must register, subjecting them to intrusive inspections and devastating fines.
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Transparency Woes
Georgia's state agencies are criticized for lacking transparency in budget spending and activities, with access to public information deteriorating since 2021. Despite legal obligations, journalists and opposition members face delays or no responses to their inquiries, indicating systemic issues within government institutions.
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Georgia is Europe!
Georgian President Salome Zurabichvili is trying to accelerate Georgia's reform process towards Europe. The author spoke at length with her and liberal Georgian partners about the country's tortuous path to becoming a truly liberal democracy that will one day qualify for EU membership.
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Georgia receives candidate status
The European Council keeping the appetite for the EU’s eastward enlargement, decided to grant the candidate status to Georgia and open the accession negotiation with Ukraine and Moldova. The decision has a great political weight and sends a strong signal to the Georgian people. It says that Brussels sees and appreciates the Georgian people’s dedication and fight for freedom and Europeanization. However, this is not the end of the road, but rather the start of it.
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International Conference: Journalists Defending Human Rights
Attacked, persecuted and imprisoned. Journalists who report on human rights violations are targeted simply for doing their job. To mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 25th anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation and Reporters Without Borders Germany are jointly organising the international conference "Journalists Defending Human Rights" today. Listen to prominent human rights journalists, such as Nobel Prize winner Maria Ressa, as well as journalists from other countries.
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The Devil in the Details
Georgia has established a new strategic partnership with China in 2023. It deepens Georgia's ties with Beijing on a range of issues, from economic promises to cultural collaboration. The move has potentially grave implications for Georgia's democratic development and Euro-Atlantic perspective.