The Parliament of Armenia has approved the “On Foreign Non-Governmental Organizations’ Activities” draft law for a second reading, with a recorded majority of 106 votes. The draft law has been deliberated by 83 Members of Parliament, with 23 expressing opposition. These proposed amendments are expected to impact both legal entities and individuals involved in non-profit advocacy activities, specifically those receiving 20% or more of their funding from foreign countries.

Under the proposed legislation, foreign non-governmental organizations that have an impact on the country’s national security will be required to register in a state registry of foreign organizations. Furthermore, these organizations will be obligated to submit an annual financial report. Additionally, the Ministry of Justice will be granted the power to conduct inspections, as part of its mission to uncover activities of entities that serve as conduits for foreign influence.

In order to initiate an inspection, an authorized individual from the Ministry of Justice will be able to request relevant information, including personal data, at any time. Inspections on the same entity may occur once every six months. Failure to register under the scope of “foreign power’s activities” or provide the necessary declaration will result in a fine of 25 thousand drams (approximately $9,300).

This development was reported in Armenian news sources.