The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) announced across its platforms that it closed its representative office in Tbilisi on September 30, 2026. According to the organization’s statement, the decision was a direct consequence of the “political and legal environment created by the Georgian government.”
As noted in the publication, KAS had previously applied to the Administration of the Government of Georgia to continue its operations in accordance with amendments made to the local Law “On Grants,” but the application was rejected.
“Continuing the foundation’s work under the new legal conditions proved impossible,” the organization emphasized, noting that obtaining approval from the Georgian government to implement projects would have been possible only if “these projects no longer aligned with the foundation’s mission.”
“For the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, a nominal presence in Georgia without the ability to fulfill its mission is not an acceptable or sustainable alternative. Accordingly, the closure of the office became the inevitable consequence of the restrictions imposed on the foundation’s activities by the Georgian government.”
The ruling Georgian Dream party fast-tracked amendments to the Law “On Grants” back in February 2025. Under the updated requirements, non-profit organizations independent of the Georgian government were barred from receiving foreign funding without state approval.
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung had been operating in Georgia since 2002, working in the areas of democracy support, the rule of law, parliamentary development, and European integration.
The organization was financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the German Federal Foreign Office, and the European Union.
KAS stressed that it will keep its legal registration in Georgia valid to retain the ability to return to the country should the political situation change.