Georgian Parliament official highlights “threats” of external interference among “European public”

Archil Talakvadze, the Vice Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, on Wednesday commented on the ongoing criticism of the controversial domestic bill on transparency of foreign influence by saying “even the European public believed there is a very significant threat of external interference” in their states.

Talakvadze told Imedi TV citizens in European states were “calling on authorities” of their countries to “take measures” against the threats.

“ast December, the European Union issued a special report stating that eight out of 10 EU citizens see a threat and problem with external interference in their country's democracy and call on their governments to adopt effective legislation against it”, he said.

The official added the European Commission had adopted a “special directive” urging member states to “adopt new and effective legislation on transparency” for the purpose.

Talakvadze added the risk of external interference was a “huge problem” for Georgia as an EU membership aspiring country, considering its location and challenges it faced.

The bill, being heard by the Georgian Parliament, calls for registration of non-commercial legal entities and media outlets in the country as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they derive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad.