The recently introduced Draft Law of Georgia on Transparency of Foreign Influence has drawn profound concern from international and Georgian organizations. If passed, it would substantially weaken civil society and independent media, which are crucial to preserving democracy in Georgia. At the request of local partners, ICNL and ECNL prepared an analysis of the draft law’s compliance with international law and European standards. Our analysis shows that many of the draft law provisions do not comply with Georgia’s obligations under international law or EU standards. Find the full analysis here or a summary of our findings here.

The NGO Law Institute (NGOLI), with the support of ICNL, developed guidelines to help activists from other Eurasian countries who relocate to Lithuania to organize their work in compliance with Lithuanian law. This guide covers a broad range of legal issues, from obtaining work permits, rules for working as an individual, or as a business or an NGO, taxation, rules for receiving foreign grants, procedures for opening bank accounts, reporting requirements, and licensing for specific activities, and more. Find the full guidelines here, available only in Russian.

The recently introduced Draft Law on Foreign Representatives in the Kyrgyz Republic would provide state authorities with the right to interfere in an organization’s internal affairs, force NCOs that receive foreign funding to complete a special “foreign representative” registration, and establish new rules on criminal liability of NCOs. There is no parallel law for commercial organizations and state bodies. This ICNL analysis examines the Draft Law’s compliance with the Kyrgyz Republic’s international obligations, international best practices, and analyzes the possible consequences of its adoption. Find the full analysis here in Krygyz, Russian or English.