The Georgian Institute of Politics (GIP), a partner of the REUNIR consortium, has announced an indefinite suspension of its work, citing a rapidly deteriorating environment for independent civic institutions.

In its statement, GIP points to a series of anti-democratic measures pushed by Georgia’s authorities, including new restrictions on civil society and media, and recent legislation targeting non-governmental organisations. The think tank also states that, under the current trajectory, its core role of offering policy recommendations has become unviable, because there is “no audience” to receive or act on them.

This announcement comes amid mounting pressure on Georgian civil society. In recent months, dozens of NGOs have reported inspections under newly amended laws on grants, and authorities froze the bank accounts of several civil society organisations during a high-profile “sabotage” probe.

REUNIR stands in solidarity with GIP and with all partners and civil society actors operating under pressure. This should serve as a warning sign: protecting the space for independent institutions is not optional—it is essential to preserve the integrity of European integration efforts and democratic commitment in candidate and neighbourhood countries.

Photo: GIP Facebook