US Halts $95 Million Aid to Georgia Over Controversial Foreign Agents Law

The United States has paused $95 million in aid to Georgia, citing a controversial 'foreign agents' law deemed anti-democratic by Washington. The law mandates groups receiving over 20% foreign funding to register as 'foreign agents.' The move strains US-Georgia relations and jeopardizes Georgia's EU and NATO aspirations.

The United States has paused over $95 million in assistance to Georgia due to a newly passed 'foreign agents' law, which Washington criticizes as anti-democratic. This decision further strains the already-tense relations between the two nations.

Enacted by Georgia's parliament in June, the law mandates that any organization receiving more than 20% of its funds from abroad must register as 'agents of foreign influence.' Critics, both within Georgia and internationally, denounce the law as an attempt to stifle dissent, arguing it mirrors Russian legislation—an allegation which the Kremlin denies. However, Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream, defends the law as vital for safeguarding the nation's sovereignty.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the pause follows a review of bilateral cooperation, initially declared in May. He also noted that the Georgian government's actions clash with EU and NATO membership criteria. While the U.S. will continue its aid that benefits the Georgian public, the move to suspend significant funds underscores the rift over Tbilisi's direction.

The law has prompted mass protests in Tbilisi, leading to political upheaval and jeopardizing Georgia's warm relations with Western allies. With opposition parties and the president opposing the government on this issue, Georgia's pro-Western stance hangs in the balance, also casting doubt on its aspirations of joining the European Union and NATO.

(With inputs from agencies.)