Georgia's parliament has passed the second reading of a bill requiring NGOs and media outlets receiving significant foreign funding to register as "foreign influence agents," sparking outrage and condemnation from the European Union.

The legislation, mirroring similar laws in Russia, has been met with weeks of protests in the capital, Tbilisi. Thousands rallied outside parliament as lawmakers voted 83-23 in favor of the bill, despite calls for its withdrawal.

Security forces used water cannons, tear gas, and stun grenades to disperse demonstrators on Tuesday night, leading to dozens of arrests and injuries on both sides. The EU's foreign policy chief condemned the police crackdown, urging Georgian authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly.

The bill's passage comes despite concerns it would stifle dissent and derail Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union. The EU granted Georgia candidate status in December but warned the legislation could jeopardize its path to integration.

Proponents of the bill, including billionaire founder of the ruling party Bidzina Ivanishvili, argue it strengthens national sovereignty against alleged Western attempts to draw Georgia into conflict with Russia. Opponents, however, see it as an attack on democracy and freedom of expression.

The legislation requires organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents, potentially hindering their operations and labeling them with a negative connotation.

With one more parliamentary vote to clear, the bill's future remains uncertain. Georgia faces parliamentary elections in October, and the legislation's impact on the country's democratic trajectory and EU aspirations is yet to be seen. (ILKHA)