In the Georgian language, the word megobari (მეგობარი) means “friend.” In the proposed U.S. federal laws, it stands for the Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act.

The MEGOBARI Act

The primary purpose of the MEGOBARI Act is “to counter the influence of the Chinese Communist Party, the Iranian Regime, and the Russian Federation in the nation of Georgia” and to support Georgia’s constitutionally stated aspirations and the wishes of the overwhelming majority of its citizens to become a member of the European Union (EU) and NATO.

The bill also aims to continue supporting Georgia’s capacity to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity from further Russian aggression or encroachment and to promote accountability by imposing swift consequences on individuals who directly and knowingly engage in actions or policies that significantly undermine democratic standards. The Act is temporary, set to expire five years after its date of enactment. A total of 16 representatives and two delegates, of which 10 are democrats and 8 republicans, have cosponsored the bill.

Policy and Diplomatic Reevaluation

• Suspend the U.S.–Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission until democratic standards are met.
• Review all foreign and security assistance if Georgia shifts away from EU accession.
• Reduce trade ties with Russia and support global anti-Russian sanctions.
• Continue backing civil society, democratic values, anti-corruption measures and freedoms of assembly, association and expression.

Reports and Strategy

• Russian/Chinese Influence Report: Within 180 days, assess Russian intelligence and Chinese involvement in Georgia.
• Five-Year U.S.–Georgia Strategy: Within 90 days, outline funding, tools and support for civil society and independent media and reassess Georgia’s priority status for U.S. aid.

Sanctions

• Blocking Euro-Atlantic Integration: Sanctions on officials (and families) engaged in corruption, violence or intimidation.
• Undermining Security: Sanctions on persons threatening Georgia’s sovereignty and stability.
• Broader Corruption: Sanctions for significant acts of corruption.
• Sanction Tools: Visa bans, visa revocations and property or asset blocking in the United States.

Conditional Assistance

• U.S. aid is contingent on Georgia’s progress toward democracy and Euro-Atlantic integration.
• If progress is shown, the U.S. will expand exchanges, enhance military cooperation and provide defensive equipment.

The Georgian Parliament’s View on the Act

The Georgian Parliament has strongly opposed the MEGOBARI Act, calling it flawed, biased, hostile and a violation of Georgia’s sovereignty. Some opposition parties, however, view it favorably as genuine U.S. support.

Connection to Poverty

Weak governance, corruption or political instability can reduce economic growth, discourage investment and lower the effectiveness of public services. If implemented well, the accountability and transparency brought by the MEGOBARI Act could lead to better governance of public resources, such as social welfare, infrastructure and essential services, which would help reduce poverty.

The Act also requires a strategy to assess whether Georgia should remain the second-highest recipient of United States funding in the Europe and Eurasia region. Foreign aid or investment tied to the Act might require democratic reforms, potentially directing resources toward underserved areas. Sanctions imposed under the Act do not apply to transactions for humanitarian assistance, including agricultural commodities, food, medicine and medical devices. This ensures that sanctions do not impede critical humanitarian needs.

A major focus of the Act is combating significant corruption in Georgia. While not directly related to poverty reduction, fighting corruption is often a prerequisite for effective economic governance and equitable distribution of resources.

Looking Ahead 

By curbing corruption and fostering stability, the Act has the potential to create conditions where poverty is reduced and opportunities for ordinary Georgians can grow. At its core, the MEGOBARI Act offers a hopeful vision: that a stronger democracy can translate into stronger communities.

– Salome Jincharadze

Salome is based in Tbilisi, Georgia and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr