In his statement over the latest developments in the country around the controversial bill that involves registration of non-commercial legal entities and media outlets in the country as “agents of foreign influence” if they derive more than 20 percent of their income from abroad, Borrell pointed to “negative consequences” of the law.

The law in its current form risks having a chilling effect on civil society and media organisations, with negative consequences for the many Georgians benefiting from their work. This law is incompatible with EU values and standards. It goes against Georgia’s stated objective of joining the European Union, as supported by a large majority of Georgian citizens. Its final adoption may have serious repercussions on our relations”, the EU official said.

Borrell urged the Georgian authorities to uphold their commitment to the promotion of “democracy, the rule of law and human rights”, and highlighted the right of people to a peaceful protest, after a public demonstration led to clashes with police outside the Parliament in Tbilisi late on Tuesday.