COPENHAGEN, 27.05.2024

At the conclusion of their annual meeting in Copenhagen, the Board of Directors of WAN-IFRA has issued a series of resolutions addressing critical issues facing the global media landscape. These resolutions underscore WAN-IFRA’s commitment to promoting a  sustainable business ecosystem for the news, safeguarding media integrity, ensuring the safety of journalists, and upholding press freedom in a pivotal year for global democracy.

The Board of the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), meeting during the 75^th World News Media Congress taking place in Copenhagen, Denmark 27^th– 29^th May 2024, expresses alarm at the recent passing of the ‘Foreign Influence’ law in Georgia that will negatively impact the enabling environment for independent media.

Whereas the recent passage of a law on ‘foreign influence’ by the Georgian parliament poses a significant threat to media freedom and civil society,

Acknowledging that this law targets Georgian media outlets and non-profit organizations receiving funding from abroad,

Recognising that the labelling of media and NGOs as “organizations serving the interests of a foreign power” marginalises critical voices that are fundamental for any functioning democracy,

Seeing that the adoption of this law has disregarded widespread public opposition and peaceful protests,

Recognising that the law risks aligning Georgia with authoritarian regimes rather than with its aspirations toward European integration.

The WAN-IFRA board resolves:

1. To condemn the passage of this law in Georgia and to call for its immediate repeal.
2. To call upon the Georgian government to uphold its commitments to media freedom and democratic values by withdrawing the law and engaging in meaningful dialogue with civil society and opposition groups.
3. To urge European and international leaders to communicate unequivocally to the Georgian government that the implementation of this law will hinder the country’s progress toward EU membership and deepen its alignment with authoritarian regimes.
4. To encourage civil society organizations to continue monitoring the situation in Georgia closely, provide support to media at risk, and advocate for the protection of media freedom and civil liberties worldwide.