US Halts $95 Million Aid to Georgian Government over Anti-Democratic Actions Towards the EU and NATO

The United States is suspending more than $95 million in aid to the Georgian government due to the Georgian government's anti-democratic actions, namely the adoption of a law on ‘foreign agents’, which Washington believes further damages relations between the United States and Georgia. This was stated on Wednesday by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

‘The Georgian government's anti-democratic actions and false statements are inconsistent with EU and NATO membership standards. While we are suspending our assistance to the Georgian government because of these actions, the United States will continue to support programmes and activities that benefit the people of Georgia by strengthening democracy, the rule of law, independent media, and economic development,’ the US Secretary of State said.

‘In the 32 years of friendship and partnership between our two countries and our citizens, the people of the United States have provided more than $6.2 billion in assistance to help develop and strengthen Georgia's economy and democratic institutions. Our support has helped to equip and train Georgia's defence forces and coast guard, build schools and hospitals, and train teachers, civil servants, and healthcare professionals. We will remain committed to the Georgian people and their Euro-Atlantic aspirations,’ added Anthony Blinken.

A pro-Russian law passed by the Georgian parliament in June requires groups receiving funding from abroad to register as foreign agents. It has been criticised by the domestic opposition and the West as a Russian-inspired measure to stifle dissent.