The recent adoption of a law in the Kyrgyz Republic, commonly referred to as the "foreign agents law," has raised alarm bells, according to a statement from the European Union representation in the country. The legislation, which restricts the activities of civil society organizations, is feared to have a negative impact on Kyrgyz society and its collaboration with international partners such as the European Union.
"The European Union remains committed to bilateral cooperation with the Kyrgyz Republic, based on respect for fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, and democratic standards. These values are an integral part of our Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) and our upcoming Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA)," the EU statement reads.
On March 14, the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) passed in the third reading a bill on "foreign agents" (similar to the concept of foreign agents in Russian legislation), officially known as the draft law "On Amending the Law on Non-Commercial Organizations." President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, signed the law on April 2.
