The Secretary General of the Council of Europe expresses concern over the Georgian government's refusal to amend the "foreign influence" law. This was stated in a press release issued by the Council of Europe's press service.

According to the statement, on February 3, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, had a phone conversation with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze regarding the establishment of a joint working group to introduce amendments to the "foreign influence" law.

The agreement to create this working group was reached during Berset’s visit to Tbilisi on December 20, 2024. On January 20, the Council of Europe’s Secretariat sent an official letter requesting the formation of the working group, but this request remained unanswered.

According to the statement, during the phone conversation on Monday, February 3, Kobakhidze stated that due to "changed circumstances," the Georgian government no longer wishes to participate in a joint working group to amend the "foreign influence" law, as had been previously agreed.

"The Secretary General expressed great concern over the decision made by Georgian officials. He also reiterated his concerns regarding the rule of law and human rights situation in Georgia, as well as the polarization of the political landscape. The goal now is to assess the impact of the new circumstances resulting from the government's change of course. Dialogue with Georgian officials is ongoing," the statement reads.