According to the chairman of the Georgian Dream faction, Irakli Kirtskhalia, it was decided at the majority session to prepare a legislative package, according to which the definition of a grant will be clarified.

According to Irakli Kirtskhalia, a grant is considered to be funds transferred by any person to any person in cash or in kind, which are used or may be used to have any influence on the Georgian government, state institutions or any part of society.

“According to the package of legislative amendments, an amendment will be made to the Law of Georgia on Grants. In particular, the definition of grants is clarified and it is determined that a grant is considered to be funds transferred by any person to any person in monetary or in-kind form, which are used or may be used with the belief or intention of exerting any influence on the Georgian government, state institutions or any part of society, for activities carried out or to be carried out with the aim of forming, implementing or changing the domestic and foreign policy of Georgia, as well as activities that arise from the political or public interests, approaches or relations of the government of a foreign country or a foreign political party. A person may receive such a grant only with the prior permission of the Government of Georgia.

The law establishes the concept of a legal entity of another state, the activities of which essentially include activity on issues related to Georgia. It is determined that such a legal entity may receive a grant only after the prior consent of the Government of Georgia. For example, an organization registered abroad that carries out its activities basically in Georgia will have to apply to the Government of Georgia for funding. Otherwise, it will be held criminally liable.

The definition of grants is clarified and it is determined that funds transferred in cash or in kind are also considered a grant, in exchange for which the grant recipient provides technical assistance in the form of technology, specialized knowledge, skills, expertise sharing, services and/or other types of assistance. Accordingly, if a foreign power hires experts in Georgia in exchange for money, this money will be considered a grant and the issuance of this grant will require the prior consent of the Government of Georgia.

If a representative office, branch, or division of a non-resident legal entity receives a grant, including from the legal entity of which it is a branch, this branch must obtain the prior consent of the Government of Georgia to receive the grant. The draft law stipulates that the receipt of a grant by this branch without consent will result in administrative liability - in the form of a fine in the amount of double the amount of the illegally received grant," Irakli Kirtskhalia said.