Sweden to revise foreign funding for anti-democratic activities, slams Georgia’s Foreign Agents Law

The Embassy of Sweden in Georgia has issued a statement outlining the Swedish government’s new measures to address foreign funding that may threaten democracy. In a marked contrast to Georgia’s recently adopted Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), Sweden’s approach will be narrowly focused and respect fundamental democratic principles.

According to the embassy’s statement, the Swedish government has appointed a special inquiry chair to assess whether foreign funding of activities in Sweden linked to extremism and anti-democratic purposes should be prohibited. The aim is to combat threats to democracy, including support for terrorism and violent extremism, or actions encouraging sabotage and violence.

"This process contrasts sharply with Georgia’s Foreign Agents Registration Act, which targets all foreign funding regardless of its purpose and which was adopted in a rushed manner without due public consultations," the statement reads, adding the Venice Commission has also strongly criticized Georgia’s law, stating it fails to meet the democratic standards of legality, legitimacy, and necessity, and has recommended that it be repealed.

"Supporting a pluralistic and peaceful civil society is an important focus area in Sweden’s long-term reform cooperation in Georgia aiming to contribute to democratic development and respect for human rights," the statement concludes.