U.S. Halts $95 Million Aid to Georgia Over Controversial Law

The United States has paused over $95 million in assistance to Georgia, citing a law on 'foreign agents' as anti-democratic. This measure underscores deteriorating U.S.-Georgia relations. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasizes that this law, inspired by Russia, contradicts EU and NATO norms.

The United States has paused over $95 million in assistance to the Georgian government due to concerns over a 'foreign agents' law, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Wednesday. The law, passed in June, mandates groups receiving foreign funding to register as foreign agents, a move condemned by both domestic opposition and Western allies as being reminiscent of Russian tactics aimed at stifling dissent.

The U.S. decision to halt assistance follows a review of bilateral cooperation initiated in May, which also included visa restrictions. Blinken pointed out that Georgia's ruling party had accused Washington of using 'threats and blackmail' in response to these measures.

Blinken stressed that the Georgian government's anti-democratic actions and false statements are incompatible with EU and NATO membership norms. While the U.S. will suspend government aid, it will continue to support initiatives benefiting the Georgian populace. Meanwhile, the European Union has also frozen approximately 30 million euros in military aid to Georgia.