**Georgian Parliament Passes New “Foreign Agents” Law**
The Georgian Parliament has passed the final reading of a new law that targets individuals and organizations receiving foreign funding. The law, which was approved by 86 MPs, broadens the definition of “foreign agents” to include individuals.
According to the law, people who receive foreign money and don’t register with the Justice Ministry can face up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. This is similar to the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), but unlike FARA, the Georgian version includes restrictive changes to the country’s broadcasting law.
Georgian opposition leaders argue that the use of FARA as a model is misleading, as it is narrowly applied in the US and not used to target NGOs or media. Several NGOs have begun re-registering in countries like Estonia to avoid falling under the law’s jurisdiction.
**Criticism from EU and US Officials**
The bill has drawn sharp criticism from Georgian opposition parties and US and EU officials, who believe this bill will be used as a tool to further suppress civil society and independent media.
**Other News**
* Russia launched 15 strike drones against the eastern city of Kharkiv, causing no physical injuries but eight people, including three children, suffered from shock.
* The European Union is launching the Ukraine2EU program worth €16.7 million ($18 million) to support Ukraine’s preparation for EU membership.
* Latvia will provide 1,500 combat drones to Ukraine, the country’s Defense Minister said on April 1.
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