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.

Civil society organizations must understand the legislation affecting their income in order to advocate for access to resources and ensure financial sustainability. To help organizations build this understanding in Georgia, the USAID Civil Society Engagement Program (CSEP), implemented by the East-West Management Institute, Inc., ICNL, and ECNL, assessed the legal environment for civil society financial sustainability and corporate and individual philanthropy. The key areas addressed in the assessment include regulations related to donations and income, philanthropy, fundraising methods, and more. The report also identifies several challenges organizations face and provides recommendations for addressing them. Download the report here (available in Russian and English).

These guidelines, put together by the Civil Society Institute (CSI) with the support of ICNL, are designed to help activists from Belarus and other Eurasian countries who relocate to Georgia ensure compliance with Georgian law. They cover a broad range of legal issues, from obtaining legalization in Georgia to work permits, rules for working as an individual or as a nonprofit, taxation, rules for receiving foreign grants, procedures for opening bank accounts, required reports to the government, and licensing for specific activities, and more. Download the report here (Russian and English available).