“The global goal of this call for proposals is to strengthen the role and potential of civil society as a subject of governance in Georgia,” the document says.
The European Commission emphasized that an empowered civil society is a key component of a “fair, equitable and democratic system”.
The EC expects that the activities within the framework of the new project will contribute to the formation of a "favorable electoral environment" and support for "free and fair elections" in Georgia.
In addition, the initiative is expected to raise the profile of civil society organizations in monitoring and implementing public administration reforms, decentralization and public accountability in Georgia.
Another priority area of the project is related to the integration of the country into the European Union.
Thus, it is supposed to encourage civil activity and "democratic supervision" on the way of Georgia's entry into the European Union.
“Strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations, academia, think tanks and independent media to support Georgia on the path to EU integration,” the document says.
On March 7, protests began in Georgia in connection with the bill on foreign agents, which was considered by the country's parliament.
The document did not pass the vote in the second reading, but later the protesters demanded the resignation of the government and early parliamentary elections.
According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the events in Georgia are reminiscent of the Kiev "Maidan".
Dissatisfaction with the bill was just an excuse to start an attempt to change power by force, he believes.