Dainius Žalimas
Member of the European Parliament · Renew · LT
“Mr President, dear colleagues, international law is the foundation of peace and security. When we weaken it, we all become less secure. That is why, first, Europe should be sceptical of the so-called Board of Peace. Lasting peace depends on strong institutions and clear rules that provide legitimacy, predictability and accountability.”
“Advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice have to be respected as well. Third, the reconstruction of Gaza cannot succeed while Hamas remains an armed force. It has no role in Gaza's future. The real test is not declarations, but genuine disarmament. 3-0256-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, I would like to address the deplorable tensions between Poland and Ukraine of historical memory; and it echoes today as well. We must not fall into this trap. I would recall the example set by Lithuania and Poland in their Treaty on friendly relations and good neighbourly cooperation.”
“He also raised the issues of values, the shrinking of civic space and human rights violations with his counterparts, in a spirit of open and respectful dialogue. He is planning, by the way, to travel to Burkina Faso one last time, in a few days' time, before the end of his term of office.”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, the Lukashenka regime continues to reach new lows. Today, it imprisons Belarusian children for anti-war graffiti and brands them as 'terrorists' or 'extremists'.”
“All over the world, where we see that a regime is oppressing its own people instead of serving its own people, we have to also address the people with our solidarity from the European side, because the values we represent are not only for Europe. They are universal. They are for everybody.”
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“Advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice have to be respected as well. Third, the reconstruction of Gaza cannot succeed while Hamas remains an armed force. It has no role in Gaza's future. The real test is not declarations, but genuine disarmament. 3-0256-0000”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, international law is the foundation of peace and security. When we weaken it, we all become less secure. That is why, first, Europe should be sceptical of the so-called Board of Peace. Lasting peace depends on strong institutions and clear rules that provide legitimacy, predictability and accountability. Europe should never accept their replacement by alternative and personalised structures that lack a sound foundation in international law. Second, the same principles must guide our approach to Gaza. We should support Israel's right to self-defence. At the same time, all violations of international humanitarian law must be investigated and those responsible held accountable. The independence of the International Criminal Court should be respected.”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, I would like to address the deplorable tensions between Poland and Ukraine of historical memory; and it echoes today as well. We must not fall into this trap. I would recall the example set by Lithuania and Poland in their Treaty on friendly relations and good neighbourly cooperation. The Treaty openly acknowledged that our two nations could hold different interpretations of their shared history. Yet it also affirmed that an awareness of both the good and bad chapters of our past should strengthen mutual understanding. More than 30 years later, this formula continues to guide the relationship between Lithuania and Poland. I also believe it offers the approach we need today: the courage to accept that history may be interpreted differently while choosing reconciliation over resentment.”
“He also raised the issues of values, the shrinking of civic space and human rights violations with his counterparts, in a spirit of open and respectful dialogue. He is planning, by the way, to travel to Burkina Faso one last time, in a few days' time, before the end of his term of office. According to our experience in the region, we strongly believe this balance between defending universal values and pragmatic engagement on the ground could offer the most effective pathway to preserving space for dialogue and for cooperation. Our purpose is to contribute positively to the country and also its population. Our interests, of course, need to match. We are convinced that the effective respect and promotion of human rights is an integral part of this effort. 3-0472-0000 Spontane Wortmeldungen 3-0473-0000”
“But on the other hand, regrettably, the authorities have also in recent months demonstrated less tolerance and acceptance of divergent voices concerning the strain on human rights in the country. This situation in Burkina Faso calls for a clear sighted and also pragmatic approach to the EU's engagement in Burkina Faso. Mindful of these developments, the European Union intends to continue its sustained and constructive diplomatic engagement, coupled with unwavering support for civil society and human rights defenders. In line with the renewed approach for the Sahel, the EU's special representative for the region visited the country several times, three times altogether, and recognised the significant challenges but also the opportunities worth pursuing with the authorities.”
“We see pressure of terrorist groups and the tense security and humanitarian situation, and we also see an implementation of a wider political agenda based on the refoundation of state and society as the current military regime has systematically restricted freedoms of expression, association and also political participation. We have also seen that political parties and civil society organisations have been dissolved, and journalists, activists and critics have been targeted with arbitrary arrests, with detentions, disappearances and also forced conscription. There has been some openness, on the one hand, by the government regarding the dialogue and cooperation on specific matters, including human rights protection.”
“À la fin, nous ne faisons qu’affaiblir ceux qui se trouvent en première ligne du combat contre le fondamentalisme islamiste, et nous risquons de fabriquer demain les conditions d’un nouvel Afghanistan aux portes de l’Europe. L’urgence, c’est d’aider si ce pays le demande, car, si ce pays s’effondre, le Sahel risque de sombrer dans le chaos, et nous en payerons demain le prix ici, en Europe. 3-0471-0000 Magnus Brunner, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, honourable Members, in Burkina Faso, the values you were talking about, like democracy, like the rule of law, human rights and others are challenged, to put it very politely.”
“– Madame la Présidente, les débats que ce Parlement nous impose aujourd’hui ont par moments des relents de colonialisme. Nous n’avons pas la qualité pour juger du passé, et encore moins du présent, du Burkina Faso. Or, quel est l’avenir du Burkina Faso et du Sahel si l’Union européenne contribue, par ses résolutions, à déstabiliser encore plus un pouvoir qui se trouve aujourd’hui en première ligne face à la poussée de l’islamisme et du djihadisme? Oui, Ouagadougou gouverne la «patrie des hommes intègres» de manière autoritaire – ils sont en guerre. Mais l’essentiel pour les Burkinabés, c’est de pouvoir compter sur un gouvernement qui les protège du chaos et de l’islamisme en ce moment, plutôt que de recevoir des leçons depuis Bruxelles.”
“In Burkina Faso hebben mensen die vrijheid niet meer. Het verbod op maatschappelijke organisaties betekent een verbod op maatschappelijke stemmen. Maar de weg naar een stabiele toekomst kan niet zonder die verschillende stemmen. Weg van militaire invloeden van buiten, van autoritaire krachten van binnen het land. Dat is belangrijk voor de toekomst van een vrije en eerlijke democratie, waar stemmen niet het zwijgen wordt opgelegd, maar waar alle stemmen gehoord worden. Van studenten tot lhbti-activisten, van journalisten tot Fulani, van politieke partijen tot mensenrechtenverdedigers. Als Europees Parlement moeten wij pal achter mensenrechtenverdedigers en maatschappelijke organisaties staan, ook in Burkina Faso. 3-0470-0000 Thierry Mariani, au nom du groupe PfE.”
“All over the world, where we see that a regime is oppressing its own people instead of serving its own people, we have to also address the people with our solidarity from the European side, because the values we represent are not only for Europe. They are universal. They are for everybody. They are about human dignity and individual freedom. And that is something that everybody deserves. 3-0469-0000 Marit Maij, namens de S&D-Fractie. – Voorzitter, maatschappelijke organisaties zijn het hart van democratieën, ook in Burkina Faso. Ze organiseren mensen en gemeenschappen rondom belangrijke thema’s, geven minderheden een stem en kijken kritisch naar de overheid. Journalisten leggen misstanden bloot, kijken daarbij ook kritisch naar de overheid en het bedrijfsleven, én naar destabiliserende invloeden.”
“– Madam President, Commissioner, colleagues, frankly, I have taken the floor on this very debate on Burkina Faso – namely, the 'Continued crackdown on civic space and fundamental freedoms in Burkina Faso' – not only because of our negotiations in the Development Committee and in other areas of international partnerships, but in particular because in my home country, in Austria, we have an extremely active, engaged Austrian-Burkina Faso Society, which kept ties with the population, with the citizens of Burkina Faso even during these troubled times since 2022, and also during these even more troubled times since the beginning of 2026.”
“Et pendant des années et des décennies, les entreprises européennes ont eu un accès pas cher à toutes ces ressources, toutes ces richesses. Résultat: des pays pillés et une pauvreté extrême pour leurs populations. Et maintenant, vous avez peur de perdre ces accès, mais plutôt que de vouloir toujours nous ingérer et de toujours faire la guerre – parce qu'on a vu avec la destruction de la Libye ce que ça a donné –, aidons plutôt ces pays avec tout ce qu'on peut pour soutenir leur développement souverain. 3-0468-0000 Lukas Mandl, on behalf of the PPE Group.”
“Je me suis dit, c'est bizarre, parce qu'on nous dit qu'il faut se défendre de la Russie, mais on achète ce matériel militaire spécialisé pour l'Afrique. On va ponctionner nos pensions, nos hôpitaux, nos écoles pour faire ça. Je trouvais ça bizarre. Je me suis demandé pourquoi et j'ai été regarder. J'ai compris que la région du Sahel, en fait, s'est imposée ces dernières années comme un des corridors miniers les plus importants d'Afrique. Le Burkina Faso est l'un des plus grands producteurs d'or en Afrique, mais dispose aussi de cuivre, de zinc, de manganèse, de phosphate. Le Mali va bientôt devenir le deuxième producteur africain de lithium. Le Niger détient évidemment des centaines de milliers de tonnes d'uranium.”
“I call on the European Union and the Member States to place human rights and support for civil society at the centre of their engagement with Burkina Faso, and to support independent investigations into all serious violations. 3-0467-0000 Marc Botenga, auteur. – Madame la Présidente, écoutez, chers collègues, oui, il faut que les droits humains soient respectés. Mais, en écoutant certains de mes collègues, notamment français à droite, je sens que vous avez un peu le seum d'être expulsés et d'avoir été expulsés du Sahel, non? Et tout commence à un peu s'éclaircir dans ma tête parce que je me suis demandé, en Belgique, en France, on continue à produire et à acheter du matériel militaire pour des milliards d'euros, qui est destiné, qui a été pensé précisément pour être utilisé dans le Sahel.”
“Human rights defenders, judges, students and opposition figures face arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and intimidation. Proposed legislation to reintroduce the death penalty and criminalise LGBTQI+ people raises further concerns. Meanwhile, large parts of the country continue to suffer from violence and terrorist attacks. Millions have been displaced and depend on humanitarian assistance. No fight against terrorism can justify violations of fundamental rights. Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and others have documented grave violations against civilians, including killings and forced displacement that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, yet impunity persists.”
“Nous, libéraux, appelons à la présentation d'une feuille de route crédible vers une transition démocratique d'élections libres et transparentes et un retour à un gouvernement civil au Burkina Faso. Nous, libéraux, rappelons également que la lutte contre le terrorisme ne peut jamais servir de prétexte pour restreindre les libertés fondamentales ou réduire au silence les voix critiques. Nous, libéraux, nous nous opposons clairement à toute réintroduction de la peine de mort au Burkina Faso, qui constituerait un grave recul pour les droits fondamentaux. 3-0466-0000 Catarina Vieira, author. – Madam President, colleagues, today in Burkina Faso, critics are silenced, journalists disappear, political parties are dissolved, civil society organisations are suspended.”
“– Madame la Présidente, Monsieur le Commissaire, chers collègues, nous, libéraux, condamnons fermement la dissolution et la suspension des organisations de la société civile et appelons les autorités burkinabées à annuler immédiatement ces mesures afin de garantir un espace civique libre et indépendant. Nous, libéraux, exigeons la fin de l'intimidation, des détention arbitraire et des disparitions forcées des journalistes et des défenseurs des droits humains, d'activistes et d'opposants politiques. Nous, libéraux, demandons la restauration pleine et entière de la liberté de la presse et la levée des restrictions imposées aux médias, qui jouent un rôle essentiel dans toute société démocratique.”
“W moim kraju, Polsce, widzimy mechanizmy, które powinny zapalić wszystkie czerwone światła: naciski na niezależne media, próby paraliżowania pracy niezależnych telewizji, ataki na dziennikarzy opisujących bezprawne działania władzy, próby wymuszania ujawnienia źródeł informacji, nadużywanie instytucji państwa do walki politycznej. A ostatnio władza Tuska dopuściła się aresztowania dziennikarza Leszka Krasowskiego na trzy miesiące w zemście, że opisał aferę jednego z czołowych polityków tej władzy. To nie jest normalna demokracja, szanowni państwo. To jest pełzająca kryptodyktatura. 3-0465-0000 Jan-Christoph Oetjen, auteur.”
“Mówimy dziś o Burkina Faso, o państwie, które płonie, podpalone przez dżihadystów powiązanych z Al-Kaidą i Państwem Islamskim, którzy porywają ludzi, palą wsie, mordują całe wspólnoty. Do tego brutalny terror państwowy realizowany przez juntę wojskową wobec własnych obywateli. Pod płaszczykiem walki z dżihadem niszczy się wolność. Rozwiązano partie polityczne, organizacje społeczne, dziennikarze są zastraszani, aktywiści zatrzymywani, krytycy wcielani pod przymusem do formacji bezpieczeństwa. Ale mówiąc o Burkina Faso, nie wolno nam zamykać oczu na to, co dzieje się w krajach Unii Europejskiej.”
“Des journalistes et des médias sont réduits au silence, des étudiants arrêtés pour avoir critiqué le régime. Cette répression se déroule dans une indifférence médiatique importante. Nous devons envoyer un message clair de soutien à tous ceux qui, malgré les menaces, continuent de défendre les libertés fondamentales et les principes démocratiques. La lutte contre le terrorisme ne devrait jamais servir de prétexte pour faire taire les voix critiques. Aucune sécurité durable ne pourra être construite sur la base de la peur et de la répression. Une Europe qui renonce à ses principes ne devient pas plus forte, elle devient simplement moins européenne. Elle n'a pas besoin de choisir entre... (La Présidente retire la parole à l'oratrice) 3-0464-0000 Małgorzata Gosiewska, autorka. – Pani Przewodnicząca!”
“Mais nous devons aussi assumer une responsabilité stratégique, renforcer notre soutien aux États voisins qui constituent aujourd'hui la première ligne de défense contre la déstabilisation de toute l'Afrique de l'Ouest. Car quand l'Afrique de l'Ouest vacille, c'est l'Europe qui va vaciller. 3-0463-0000 Murielle Laurent, auteur. – Madame la Présidente, Monsieur le Commissaire, chers collègues, une société civile libre est primordiale pour tout État. Elle agit comme un garde-fou contre les abus de pouvoir et donne une voix aux citoyens. Mais au Burkina Faso, cette voix est méthodiquement réduite au silence. En quelques mois, plus d'une centaine d'organisations de la société civile ont été dissoutes, des centaines d'associations suspendues.”
“Plus de la moitié du territoire échappe au contrôle de l'État et plusieurs millions de Burkinabés ont été déplacés et ont besoin d'une aide humanitaire. Après plus de dix ans de lutte contre le terrorisme, avec l'appui de la France et de l'Europe, coupé de ses anciens partenaires, le Burkina Faso sombre dans le chaos. Il est devenu un sanctuaire pour les groupes islamistes terroristes et la criminalité organisée, faisant peser une menace croissante sur ses pays voisins, les plus dynamiques économiquement de la région, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo ou Bénin. Cette résolution a raison de rappeler au soutien de la société civile et des acteurs humanitaires.”
“– Als nächster Punkt der Tagesordnung folgt die Aussprache über sechs Entschließungsanträge zu dem anhaltenden harten Vorgehen gegen den zivilgesellschaftlichen Raum und die Grundfreiheiten in Burkina Faso (2026/2767(RSP)). 3-0462-0000 Christophe Gomart, auteur. – Madame la Présidente, le Burkina Faso, ce pays d'Afrique de l'Ouest, illustre aujourd'hui l'échec dramatique de la junte militaire au pouvoir depuis le coup d'État de 2022. En quatre ans, le pays s'est progressivement isolé de la communauté internationale, a été suspendu de plusieurs organisations régionales et internationales, tandis que les libertés fondamentales y sont méthodiquement réduites. Dans le même temps, la situation sécuritaire s'est aggravée.”
“16.3 TC "16.3 - Продължаващи репресии срещу гражданското пространство и основните свободи в Буркина Фасо" \f 1 TC "16.3 - Represión continua del espacio de la sociedad civil y de las libertades fundamentales en Burkina Faso" \f 2 TC "16.3 - Neustávající omezování občanského prostoru a základních svobod v Burkině Faso" \f 3 TC "16.3 - Fortsat undertrykkelse af civilsamfundets råderum og de grundlæggende frihedsrettigheder i Burkina Faso" \f 4 TC "16.3 - Anhaltendes hartes Vorgehen gegen den zivilgesellschaftlichen Raum und die Grundfreiheiten in Burkina Faso" \f 5 TC "16.3 - Kodanikuühiskonna tegutsemisruumi ja põhivabaduste jätkuv mahasurumine Burkina Fasos" \f 6 TC "16.3 - Συνεχιζόμενη καταστολή του χώρου της κοινωνίας των πολιτών και των θεμελιωδών ελευθεριών στη Μπουρκίνα Φάσο" \f 7 TC "16.3 - Continued crackdown on civic space and fundamental freedoms in Burkina Faso" \f 8 TC "16.3 - Répression persistante de l’espace civique et des libertés fondamentales au Burkina Faso" \f 9 TC "16.3 - Cniogbheartaíocht leanúnach ar an spás sibhialta agus ar shaoirsí bunúsacha i mBuircíne Fasó" \f A TC "16.3 - Kontinuirano ograničavanje prostora za građansko djelovanje i temeljnih sloboda u Burkini Faso" \f B TC "16.3 - Continua repressione dello spazio civico e delle libertà fondamentali in Burkina Faso" \f C TC "16.3 - Notiekošās represijas pret pilsoniskās sabiedrības telpu un pamattiesībām Burkinafaso" \f D TC "16.3 - Tebesitęsiantis pilietinės erdvės ir pagrindinių teisių varžymas Burkina Fase" \f E TC "16.3 - A civil társadalmi tér és az alapvető szabadságjogok elleni folyamatos fellépés Burkina Fasóban" \f F TC "16.3 - Ir-repressjoni kontinwa fuq l-ispazju ċiviku u l-libertajiet fundamentali fil-Burkina Faso" \f G TC "16.3 - Aanhoudende inperking van de maatschappelijke ruimte en de fundamentele vrijheden in Burkina Faso" \f H TC "16.3 - Ciągłe ograniczanie przestrzeni społeczeństwa obywatelskiego i podstawowych wolności w Burkinie Faso" \f I TC "16.3 - A repressão contínua do espaço cívico e das liberdades fundamentais no Burquina Fasso" \f J TC "16.3 - Reprimarea continuă a spațiului civic și a libertăților fundamentale în Burkina Faso" \f K TC "16.3 - Pokračujúce zásahy proti občianskemu priestoru a základným slobodám v Burkine Faso" \f L TC "16.3 - Vztrajno omejevanje prostora civilne družbe in zatiranje temeljnih svoboščin v Burkini Faso" \f M TC "16.3 - Kansalaisyhteiskunnan toimintamahdollisuuksien ja perusvapauksien jatkuva tukahduttaminen Burkina Fasossa" \f N TC "16.3 - Det fortsatta undertryckandet av det medborgerliga utrymmet och de grundläggande friheterna i Burkina Faso" \f OAnhaltendes hartes Vorgehen gegen den zivilgesellschaftlichen Raum und die Grundfreiheiten in Burkina Faso 3-0461-0000 Die Präsidentin.”
“Thirdly, we must sanction all accomplices of the regime. They are enablers of the dictatorship, complicit in crimes against humanity and destroying human lives. 3-0458-0000 (Ende der spontanen Wortmeldungen) 3-0459-0000 Die Präsidentin. – Zum Abschluss der Aussprache wurden gemäß Artikel 150 Absatz 5 der Geschäftsordnung sechs Entschließungsanträge eingereicht. Die Aussprache ist geschlossen. Die Abstimmung findet morgen statt.”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, the Lukashenka regime continues to reach new lows. Today, it imprisons Belarusian children for anti-war graffiti and brands them as 'terrorists' or 'extremists'. This is yet another reminder that any attempt to normalise relations with Lukashenka, or to portray him as somehow distinct from Putin, is wishful thinking. Unlike the current US administration, the European Union must show resolve. Firstly, our EU countries should join Lithuania's referral of the situation in Belarus to the International Criminal Court, following which the ICC prosecutor has already opened an investigation. Secondly, Member States themselves have to investigate crimes against humanity in Belarus applying the principle of universal jurisdiction. So far this has only been done by Lithuania.”
“Our military personnel must go to Ukraine to learn firsthand, and we must invite Ukrainians here to share their unique combat experience, particularly in countering drones and other emerging threats. That is where a true European defence union with Ukraine begins. 2-0262-0000”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, as Russia becomes bogged down in Ukraine, the Kremlin will seek more dramatic forms of escalation. Its goal is to intimidate European societies into reducing support for Ukraine by presenting this as the prize of avoiding a wider war. In reality, Ukraine is exercising its inherent right to self-defence in accordance with international law, including against legitimate war-supporting targets throughout the Russian territory. Russia alone bears responsibility for all the consequences arising from its illegal war of aggression. Ukraine cannot be expected to limit its lawful self-defence while Russia continues its attacks. At the same time, Europe must learn from Ukraine and accelerate the development of a genuine European defence union.”
“Finally, the intensified repression proves that resistance still exists inside Iran, and Europe must stand with those fighting for freedom. 3-0558-0000”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, the Iranian regime has used the current conflict to intensify repression and political executions. Thousands of political prisoners currently remain at risk. Firstly, we must not allow impunity. Every Iranian official who signs a death warrant or participates in torture must face targeted EU sanctions. Secondly, there are also legal tools already available – under universal jurisdiction, States can prosecute grave international crimes regardless of where they were committed. Lithuania is already using this principle to investigate crimes against humanity committed by the Belarusian regime. Thirdly, the Council of Europe is establishing a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Why not explore similar mechanisms for crimes committed by the Iranian regime?”
“Tai tikrai norėtųsi palinkėti ateityje, kad būtų koncentruojamasi į esmę, o ne pastebimos tik mažiau reikšmingos techninės detalės. 2-0428-0000”
“Such measures should include EU‑wide minimum penalties and ensure consistent enforcement, strong oversight at EU level, and compensation mechanisms for businesses. 3-0382-0000”
“Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, we cannot allow anyone to undermine the credibility of international law on European soil. The ICC is a cornerstone of a global system of accountability, acting as a court of last resort when other avenues to justice are blocked. We shouldn't forget about the human aspect of this issue. Those targeted by US sanctions often discover the chilling consequences only gradually in their lives – when a payment is declined or access to online services is suddenly refused, effectively turning them into digital pariahs simply for doing their job. I therefore join those who urge the European Commission to swiftly use the blocking statute by adding the US executive order authorising ICC‑related sanctions to its scope and, together with Member States, develop additional measures to counter their effects.”
“International law is very clear: states must protect victims and guarantee effective remedies. Therefore, justice systems must not be guided by stereotypes. Access to justice cannot depend on gender. Therefore, we all should support all the measures in implementing this priority. 4-0022-0000”
“Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, gender stereotypes remain one of the most serious obstacles to women's access to justice. We cannot deny that too often assumptions about women replace facts, and equality before the law exists only on paper. This is clear from the cases of gender-based violence. Around 45 % of women who experienced violence did not turn to anyone. Even when cases are reported, convictions remain the exception rather than the rule. Stereotypes affect whether women are believed and whether cases proceed at all. Many violations never reach judicial review. Violations remain legally invisible and impunity persists. This is a systemic failure. Courts cannot develop gender-sensitive practices if they never hear these cases.”
“We must also reiterate our full support for the ongoing investigation by the International Criminal Court, which gives the jurisdiction over these horrific attacks. 2-0264-0000 Vystúpenia na základe prihlásenia sa o slovo zdvihnutím ruky 2-0265-0000”
“Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, under international humanitarian law, attacks against civilian objects and infrastructure indispensable to the survival of civilian population are strictly prohibited. The deliberate destruction of Ukraine's energy system in winter imposes conditions of life that may even fall within the definition set out in the Genocide Convention as an act calculated to bring about the destruction of a national group. These attacks are enabled by the ultra‑nationalist imperialist ideology of the so‑called 'Ruscism', which rejects international law, sovereignty of its neighbours and the very existence of Ukrainians as a nation. Accountability, therefore, must become unavoidable. We must support the establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.”
“An independent international investigation is therefore essential to establish the facts and ensure accountability, including, where appropriate, through universal jurisdiction. 3-0404-0000”
“Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, together with Hungary, Georgia has become an electoral autocracy. It has already established an oligarchic, one-party dictatorship. This is reflected in new and new legislation restricting peaceful protest and freedom of association, and contrary to the European standards of democracy as developed by the Venice Commission. And also in recent educational reforms that undermine democratic values and distance the country from Europe. Particularly alarming are reports by the BBC that, if confirmed, a banned World War One chemical agent known as camite was used against protesters. Such use would be in breach of the Chemical Weapons Convention, one of the greatest achievements of humanity, which allows only narrowly defined riot control agents with rapidly irreversible effects.”
“Only sustained and irreversible change, including respect for human rights and an end to support for Russia's war against aggression against Ukraine, can justify reconsideration. I therefore welcome the decision of EU foreign affairs ministers to introduce new criteria on hybrid attacks, providing a basis for further measures. 2-0623-0000”
“Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, Belarusian hybrid attacks against Lithuania breach the UN Charter, including the duty of non-interference by means of coercion. Under international law, Belarus bears full responsibility regardless of attempts to deny attribution. This responsibility has been affirmed by public statements of the US presidential envoy, referring to assurances from Lukashenka to halt balloon launches into Lithuanian airspace. The EU must remain united: an attack on one Member State is an attack on the Union as a whole. We must not follow Trumpian diplomacy that sacrifices long-term objectives for short-term reversible concessions. Any review of EU sanctions with Belarus must remain conditional.”
“This is an open blackmail and escalation. Third, we must also update our own tools. The Union needs to introduce a new criterion in the Belarus sanctions regime that clearly defines hybrid activities as grounds for sanctions. 3-0266-0000”
“Madam President, in recent months, we have experienced a new wave of hybrid provocations from Belarus and Russia, including air balloon incursions to Lithuania. First, it is important to underline that with these actions against Lithuania by Belarus, I would like to underline that there is no doubt regarding attributability or at least a breach of a duty to prevent. Despite the recent diplomatic efforts of the US to secure political prisoner releases and open channels of dialogue, Lukashenka's behaviour makes it clear: the regime has no interest in building constructive relations with the West. Second, Lithuania was forced to partially close its border with Belarus in response to these provocations, only to see Belarus retaliate by blocking Lithuanian trucks and refusing to release them even after Lithuania reopened the border.”
“A just peace can only rest on firm foundations: full territorial integrity of Ukraine, full reparations to Ukraine, full criminal responsibility for the crime of aggression. These are not negotiating positions. They are international legal obligations incumbent on Russia. 3-0098-0000”
“Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, we must be clear: any agreement that rewards aggression would not bring peace. It would send us several centuries backwards, legitimising violence as a tool in international relations. International law is explicit: when a serious breach of a fundamental norm of jus cogens – and Russia's war of aggression is precisely that – no state may recognise as lawful the situation created by that breach, nor render aid or assistance to the aggressor. Instead, states must cooperate to bring this breach to an end. This means no recognition of illegal annexation, no territorial concessions, nor any other proposals that would allow anyone to make a business deal out of this aggression.”
“Needless to say, this approach is contrary to the concept of international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity. We should insist on concrete steps in improving the situation. Impunity makes the dictator laugh at us. 3-0092-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, fully supporting the new resolution on the situation in Belarus, I want to highlight an uncomfortable truth. Since 2020, in numerous resolutions, this Parliament has called for justice and accountability. Yet what have we achieved? The EU Member States have not made any progress in prosecuting the perpetrators of crimes against humanity in Belarus, although we know their names. So far, only Lithuania has invoked universal jurisdiction. Only Lithuania has referred the situation in Belarus to the International Criminal Court. And only Lithuania has applied to the International Court of Justice regarding the instrumentalisation of migrants by the Lukashenka regime. Yet even in Lithuania, no suspects have been named and no arrest warrants issued.”
“Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, Ukraine needs predictability and stable, multiyear support that America no longer guarantees and that Europe has yet to deliver at full scale. The Commission's proposal to use frozen Russian assets for reparation loans is a welcome first step. Russian state money must be used for Ukraine's self-defence, not for the aggressor's future. It also has a sound international legal basis. Reparation loans are legitimate third-party countermeasures to Russia's ongoing war of aggression, which is the gravest breach of the UN Charter. They meet the requirements of proportionality and temporariness under international law. They also are of an exceptional nature, as applied only in respect of the aggressor and only for the aggression. Europe has the duty to assist the victim by all possible means.”
“We must strictly follow non‑recognition policy of the Georgian Dream authorities. There is still one key difference of Tbilisi from Moscow and Minsk. That is the continued presence of the active civil society in the streets demanding new parliamentary elections and striving for European future. We cannot abandon the Georgian people. 2-0525-0000”
“Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, I fully support the report on Georgia as it is in full compliance with EU values and EU law. Georgian institutions have been captured by the authoritarian criminal oligarch regime. The Georgian Dream follows the Kremlin's manual of repression. They act as bandits and speak as bandits. Recently, the last formally remaining opposition for Georgia party representatives was stripped of its mandates in the parliament for a peaceful boycott. That is a means of political fight in any democracy. However, what is really against democracy is the existence of a current single‑party parliament. The EU response must be stronger. First, we must find a way to sanction on the EU level the Georgian Dream regime and to support the Georgian people.”