Reporting Change: Research Trip to Georgia 2024

Georgia stands at a pivotal moment in its political and social development, caught in a stand-off between the supporters of the pro-Russian ruling party and the opposition and civil society committed to the path of European integration. The upcoming parliamentary elections in October 2024 hold the potential to steer the future trajectory of the country.

The recent passage of the "agents law" in June 2024, which mandates that NGOs and media organisations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad must register as "foreign agents," has sparked widespread protests and is widely perceived as a significant threat to democracy and freedom of expression in Georgia. A queerphobic legislative package to ban queer “propaganda” has passed the second reading in the parliament on 4th September, which is poised to be adopted later this month, further restricting human rights and stigmatising LGBTQI+ people.

n-ost invites ten European journalists, including citizens/residents of non-EU countries, to participate in a research trip to Tbilisi from 7th to 12th October 2024. Through meetings, discussions, and collaborative opportunities with local media professionals, participants will gain firsthand insights into the challenges Georgian journalists face, exchange ideas, and foster cross-border collaborations.