Implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2024–2027, the project “Enhancing Freedom of Expression in Georgia through Resilient Institutions and Media” aims to strengthen oversight and advocacy for freedom of expression of the Georgian Public Defender’s Office and civil society organisations (Media Advocacy Coalition, Georgia anti-SLAPPs Platform), increase resilience and ethical standards of national, regional, and online media to improve sustainability and adaptability in a rapidly changing environment, as well as support academic freedom of expression education.
Through these actions, the project will work on delivering a coordinated, sustainable response to the current challenges facing by Georgian media community and civil society and to equip key actors with the tools and knowledge they need to defend freedom of expression in an increasingly restrictive environment.
Budget
500 000 EUR
Duration
1 July 2026 – 31 December 2027
(Implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2024–2027)
How Does the Project Work?
The project is composed of three components:
Component 1: Continuation and strengthening of independent institutions and civil society. The recently adopted laws will inevitably result in shrinking of independent institutions and critical voices in Georgia. Without external reinforcement, the few actors still committed to freedom of expression risk losing their ability to monitor, advocate and defend rights effectively. The co-operation with the Public Defender’s Office directly addresses this gap by building its capacity to systematically monitor and report on violations of freedom of expression. Likewise, reinforcing the Media Advocacy Coalition and the anti-SLAPPs Platform responds to their urgent need for skills, resources and tools to counter growing threats - from advocacy at national and international levels to legal defence in SLAPP cases.
Component 2: Building resilience of media organisations and self-regulation. Georgian independent media remain structurally dependent on foreign funding. Without diversification of revenue models, many outlets face closure or loss of independence. Supporting media to adapt sustainable and innovative approaches is therefore the adequate response: it builds resilience where current funding models are failing. The project facilitates transition from donor-driven dependency to more sustainable operational models. At the same time, strengthening the Charter of Journalistic Ethics ensures that ethical standards are not compromised, but instead become a driver of credibility and audience trust, both of which are prerequisites for sustainability.
Component 3: Promoting freedom of expression in education. Equipping the next generation with knowledge of freedom of expression standards is one of the few safe and strategic avenues for long-term resilience. Universities and faculties of journalism currently lack structured teaching on freedom of expression, including its ethical and legal dimensions. The project’s engagement with academic institutions directly responds to this gap: by integrating freedom of expression education into curricula, future journalists, lawyers and civic leaders will gain a solid grounding in European standards.
Who Benefits from the Project?
Public Defender’s Office of Georgia (PDO)
Media Advocacy Coalition (MAC) – network of 16 CSOs
Anti-SLAPPs Platform – network of 5 CSOs
Charter of Journalistic Ethics (CJE) – Georgian Press Council
Regional, central, and online media organisations/outlets
Selected universities in Georgia
General public.
What Do We Expect to Achieve?
The project’s overall objective (impact) is that media actors and media consumers enjoy improved freedom of expression and media standards in Georgia in line with European human rights principles and ECtHR standards.
Expected results include:
Key national institutions and civil society actors effectively promote and protect freedom of expression in line with European standards.
Media actors and self-regulatory bodies demonstrate improved ethical standards, resilience, and adaptability to emerging challenges.
Academic institutions integrate freedom of expression education aligned with European freedom of expression standards.
Implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2024–2027, the project Support to Civil Dialogue in Georgia aims to empower Georgian citizens with necessary knowledge and skills to promote human rights, democracy and rule of law, and gender equality. By fostering informed, inclusive, and constructive public dialogue - in a context marked by polarisation, disinformation, and societal tensions - the project provides citizens with safe spaces, trusted expertise, and practical tools to engage meaningfully in a public decision-making.
By translating European democratic standards into accessible and locally relevant dialogue formats, the project raises awareness and builds capacities across diverse segments of Georgian society, with particular attention to youth, women, and under-represented groups.
Budget
750 000 EUR
Duration
2026–2027
(Implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2024–2027)
How Does the Project Work?
The project applies participatory and experiential learning methodologies, combining expert input with facilitated dialogue and creative approaches. Activities include civic dialogues, capacity-building workshops, thematic discussions, and innovative formats that integrate artistic and participatory methods such as music, poetry, documentary screenings, and Applied Theatre.
Council of Europe experts lead activities, ensuring strong links between European standards and national realities. Public awareness campaigns and peer exchanges, including study visits to the World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg, further reinforce learning and engagement.
Who Benefits from the Project?
Georgian citizens and citizen-led initiatives.
Young leaders, women, and under-represented groups.
Communities in towns and regions particularly vulnerable to disinformation.
What Do We Expect to Achieve?
The project aims to empower citizens to actively participate in democratic life and public decision-making.
Expected results include:
Improved quality of public debate and increased awareness of democratic institutions and public policies
Strengthened dialogue among civil society actors, journalists, politicians, artists, and other stakeholders.
Increased knowledge of European democratic and human rights standards.
Greater citizen contribution to democratic governance and reform processes.
Overall, citizens across Georgia will be better equipped to defend and promote democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and gender equality.
About the Project
Budget 
Duration
How Does the Project Work?
Who Benefits from the Project?
What Do We Expect to Achieve?
Reference Documents
