Michał Wawrykiewicz
Member of the European Parliament · PPE · PL
“Pani Przewodnicząca! Po raz kolejny wychodzi na jaw informacja przekazana przez Citizen Lab, instytut akademicki, która wykazuje, że system Pegasus był wykorzystywany w tak szeroki sposób, naruszając jedne z podstawowych wartości, jakie obowiązują w Unii Europejskiej, i wartości, które powinniśmy my, w Parlamencie Europejskim, chronić.”
“Te działania Pegasusa były wielopoziomowe, ponieważ ten system szpiegowski przechodził z jednego urządzenia na drugie. Tego dotyczą teraz, przypomnę Państwu, sprawy, które toczą się przed Europejskim Trybunałem Praw Człowieka i czekamy na wyroki właśnie w tej sprawie. 3-0516-0000”
“Mr President, Commissioner, artificial intelligence, without the slightest doubt, is becoming a core element of Europe's security architecture. The presentation of the action plan on cybersecurity and AI comes at a very decisive moment. Today, we need a pragmatic approach.”
“Large language models can be used to automate attacks or scale disinformation operation, and they can become targets themselves through model poisoning, data breaches or manipulation of training data. Finally, we should not look at AI only as a threat.”
“Mr President, Commissioner, this year's Parliament report on the Commission's rule of law report introduces a crucial new idea; the establishment of an annual rule of law cycle. The aim of this cycle is clear: to ensure that the existing rule of law toolbox becomes more effective.”
“Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, congratulations to the rapporteur for this report. The report raises many concerns, but one stands out: that growing threat to judges' ability to address preliminary references. When this channel is obstructed, it is a direct challenge for the rule of law.”
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“Starting with the traditional EU budget spending, here, for 2024, our estimated error rate is 3.6 %, down from 5.6 % in 2023, meaning it remains material. Given the pervasiveness of the errors identified, we have given an adverse opinion for the sixth consecutive year. The cohesion policy area continues to be the main source that feeds our overall error rate, and it is important to reiterate that for this year, the error rate for cohesion is 5.7 %, down from 9.3 % in 2023. I think in 2023, issues such as pandemic disruptions and time pressure to use 100 % co-financing schemes likely increased irregular spending risks in this area. Consequently, in 2024, the cohesion error rate has returned to levels which were more consistent with previous years.”
“– Monsieur President, honourable Members, Commissioner, I am very pleased to be here today to present the findings and core messages from the European Court of Auditors' annual report for 2024. I am once again accompanied by my colleague Jan Gregor, who oversees the production of this report. I think this year's report is highly relevant as negotiations for the 2028-2034 MFF are under way. I think it offers important lessons and highlights risks that should be considered when shaping future budgets. The key takeaways from the report: as in previous years, we provide a clean opinion on the reliability of the EU accounts and on the EU's budget revenue. Regarding the regularity of expenditure, we offer two separate opinions: one for the traditional EU budget and one for the RRF, reflecting the different nature of these types of spending.”
“(debata)" \f "I"TC "15 - Apresentação do relatório anual de 2024 do Tribunal de Contas Europeu (debate)" \f "J"TC "15 - Prezentarea raportului anual pe 2024 al Curții de Conturi (dezbatere)" \f "K"TC "15 - Prezentácia výročnej správy Dvora audítorov za rok 2024 (rozprava)" \f "L"TC "15 - Predstavitev letnega poročila Računskega sodišča za leto 2024 (razprava)" \f "M"TC "15 - Tilintarkastustuomioistuimen vuosikertomuksen 2024 esittely (keskustelu)" \f "N"TC "15 - Redogörelse för revisionsrättens årsrapport för 2024 (debatt)" \f "O"Présentation du rapport annuel 2024 de la Cour des comptes européenne (débat) 3-0222-0000 Le Président. – L'ordre du jour appelle à présent le débat sur la présentation du rapport annuel 2024 de la Cour des comptes européenne. 3-0223-0000 Tony Murphy, President of the Court of Auditors.”
“évi éves jelentésének ismertetése (vita)" \f "F"TC "15 - Preżentazzjoni tar-rapport annwali 2024 tal-Qorti tal-Awdituri (dibattitu)" \f "G"TC "15 - Presentatie van het jaarverslag 2024 van de Europese Rekenkamer (debat)" \f "H"TC "15 - Przedstawienie sprawozdania rocznego Trybunału Obrachunkowego za 2024 r.”
“aasta aruande tutvustus (arutelu)" \f "6"TC "15 - Παρουσίαση της ετήσιας έκθεσης του Ελεγκτικού Συνεδρίου για το 2024 (συζήτηση)" \f "7"TC "15 - Presentation of the Court of Auditors' annual report 2024 (debate)" \f "8"TC "15 - Présentation du rapport annuel 2024 de la Cour des comptes européenne (débat)" \f "9"TC "15 - Tíolacadh thuarascáil bhliantúil 2024 na Cúirte Iniúchóirí (díospóireacht)" \f "A"TC "15 - Predstavljanje godišnjeg izvješća Revizorskog suda za 2024. godinu (rasprava)" \f "B"TC "15 - Presentazione della relazione annuale 2024 della Corte dei conti europea (discussione)" \f "C"TC "15 - Iepazīstināšana ar Revīzijas palātas 2024. gada darbības pārskatu (debates)" \f "D"TC "15 - Audito Rūmų 2024 m. metinės ataskaitos pristatymas (diskusijos)" \f "E"TC "15 - A Számvevőszék 2024.”
“Finally, we should not forget that it is in our shared responsibility – Member States and EU institutions together – to uphold the rule of law and fundamental values. TC "15 - Представяне на годишния доклад на Сметната палата за 2024 г. (разискване)" \f "1"TC "15 - Presentación del informe anual de 2024 del Tribunal de Cuentas (debate)" \f "2"TC "15 - Představení výroční zprávy Účetního dvora za rok 2024 (rozprava)" \f "3"TC "15 - Forelæggelse af Revisionsrettens årsberetning for 2024 (forhandling)" \f "4"TC "15 - Vorstellung des Jahresberichts des Rechnungshofs für das Jahr 2024 (Aussprache)" \f "5"TC "15 - Kontrollikoja 2024.”
“The European democracy shield will put forward actions to promote, protect and strengthen our democracies in the long run. It will be accompanied by a civil society strategy, recognising the key role of civil society organisations in safeguarding and promoting EU values in stronger and more resilient democracies. 3-0220-0000 Marie Bjerre, President-in-Office of the Council. – Mr President, honourable Members, Commissioner, thank you for this debate, and also thank you for your insights on the situation in Bulgaria. Let me assure you that the Council remains committed to promoting all available tools to ensure respect for the rule of law. We will continue to pay close attention to any new developments in this area.”
“However, it is one of the instruments at our disposal. The Commission remains committed to using all the instruments at its disposal to defend the rule of law, in order to provide an effective and proportionate response to any interference with the rule of law. We continue working with national authorities to help them with the implementation of the report recommendation. We also remain fully committed to a dialogue on this matter. The Commission looks forward to continuing to exchange with this Parliament and with the Council, national parliaments and civil society on the annual rule of law reports, including on the country chapters. More generally, let me also flag two upcoming initiatives of crucial importance to our overall democratic systems.”
“I am fully confident that Bulgaria, as a member of the European family and as a country deeply attached to our shared values, as shown, among others, through its consistent support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and through membership in Schengen, and soon in eurozone, will continue on its path of commitment to democracy, justice and the rule of law and the full implementation of all recommendations of the European Commission. 3-0219-0000 Dan Jørgensen, Member of the Commission. – Mr President, honourable Members, thank you for this interesting debate and thank you for sharing your views on the situation of the rule of law in Bulgaria. The annual rule of law report has become a key preventive instrument to improve the rule of law situation in the EU, including in Bulgaria.”
“Mr President, colleagues, the rule of law remains a cornerstone of our Union, and I hope we are all fully convinced of this. In recent years, this has been reaffirmed through the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union, as well as through efforts of the European Commission and the European Parliament. The Union has developed a number of instruments to follow and assess developments in this field. Among them, the rule of law report offers a valuable overview of the situation in each Member State, acknowledging That no country is entirely free from challenges.”
“Madam President, Madam Vice-President, dear colleagues, we are discussing today the issue of digital sovereignty. What does that mean, actually? It means two things. First, reducing dependence on non-EU technologies, such as iCloud data, AI and chips. Second, it means safeguarding the EU's right to apply its own digital rules freely. We, Europe, must build our own tech capacity through open standards, through interaction between separate systems, and investment in European solutions. When it comes to sovereign enforcement, please bear in mind that the DSA, DMA and AI Act are objective laws. They are not political. We don't want to hurt anyone with these laws. They protect consumers. They protect competition and citizens' rights, no matter where companies are coming from. We, the Union, must not give in to the political pressure.”
“No progress on restoring the right to speak, to organise and to dissent. So, let me say it very clearly: those 200 000 people who march in Budapest, they are just the beginning because the Hungarian society is awake again and ready to end this authoritarian order. So, to Mr Orbán and his representatives, I say this: you can ban pride, you can ban every assembly, you can buy the media, you can bend the cords, but you cannot stop the people. Your regime will fall. And if you want to hear more, please start the blue‑card procedure. 3-0208-0000”
“Madam President, dear Commissioner, colleagues, this debate is not only about the attempt of the Hungarian Government to ban Budapest Pride. It is a much broader issue because this is yet another example of the Orbán regime trampling the freedoms of its people. This time it's about the freedom of assembly. This regime led democracy to a total and complete collapse. Yesterday, the Commission published its sixth Rule of Law Report and look at this: no progress on making court case allocation transparent. No progress on reforming the judiciary in line with European standards. No progress on stopping the revolving door corruption and shady lobbying. No progress in tracking down and punishing high‑level corruption. No progress on protecting public media from government control. No progress on removing legal obstacles for civil society.”
“¿Y qué opinión le merece que el líder actual del Partido Popular se pasee en un barco con un narcotraficante? ¿Qué opinión le merece eso? 3-0298-0000 Michał Wawrykiewicz (PPE), blue-card answer. – Mr President, as far as I understand it, today we are discussing the rule-of-law crisis in Spain, and we are discussing what the government is doing, what the Prime Minister is doing. And here I have the article from El Mundo, which describes very precisely all of these issues, that I deliver to you. So this is my answer to your question! 3-0299-0000”
“(The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question) 3-0297-0000 Nicolás González Casares (S&D), pregunta de «tarjeta azul». – Usted sabe que la presidenta de la Comunidad de Madrid fue acusada por un caso de corrupción y que cambiaron al señor Casado por el señor Feijóo. Esa presidenta de la Comunidad de Madrid actualmente tiene un problema porque su pareja es un defraudador de Hacienda confeso y ella vive en un ático de su pareja. Pero lo que ocurre es que la número tres de la señora Ayuso, de la presidenta de la Comunidad de Madrid, está encausada. El número tres del PSOE ha sido encausado y ha dimitido y se le ha hecho dimitir de todos sus cargos. Pero esta señora, que es la número tres de la señora Ayuso, no ha dimitido. ¿Qué opinión le merece?”
“By launching smear campaigns against prosecutors, by declaring judges the real opposition, by tabling laws that retroactively protect those in power, and by politically motivated conversion of substitute judges into a permanent one. Tell me it is not true. Convince me. Prove me I'm wrong, because you haven't done it yet during this debate. Let us be clear. This is not governance. This is a systematic abuse of institutions for personal and political gain. The European Union cannot afford to be naive. When a government instrumentalises justice, when it compromises its own courts, and when it writes amnesty laws to blur accountability, it is no longer fit to lead a democratic nation. Spain deserves better. Europe demands better.”
“Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, I am an external observer of this situation in Spain, from the country where the rule of law was devastated for years. I am truly saddened to have to admit that the state of the rule of law in Spain raises the most serious concerns. There comes a moment where the silence becomes complicity. Today in Spain, the rule of law is not only eroding, it is being dismantled from within, because it is about the Prime Minister. We see a Prime Minister, Sánchez, whose right-hand man has been caught on tape negotiating kickbacks, whose own wife and brother are under corruption charges. How does the Government respond?”
“Orbán is following the path set by Putin: first came the anti-LGBT propaganda law, now a ban on assemblies that promote or display homosexuality or gender change to minors, effectively prohibiting Pride marches. And we all know what will come next if we do not act: a total ban, prohibition of any expression of views that are inconsistent with the government line. 3-0206-0000”
“Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, how many times have we debated in this House about the violations of the rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary? It is hard to count, even during this mandate. Of course, the representatives of Orbán's regime and their political friends will immediately start to explain to us that the European Union is determined to harass the sovereign country. But the truth is that we rely on law, on treaties, on charters, on conventions and on dozens of judgments of the European courts. And this is what the rule of law is all about. The truth is that what we are currently witnessing in Hungary is the 'Putinisation' of its political system. The recent law banning Pride marches is a direct assault on the freedoms of assembly and expression, protected under the EU Charter.”
“Parliament must also address online anonymity and poor age controls by promoting effective age verification and identification to protect children. And finally, the huge topic of using artificial intelligence was raised by the rapporteur at the beginning of this debate. This is probably our biggest challenge in protecting children against sexual abuse. 2-0019-0000”
“Madam President, Commissioner, colleagues, we are discussing today the most important topic of all, and I would like to thank Mr Lenaers and all of the others that worked on that file for the great job. Protecting children from sexual abuse, especially online, is our core duty, and I believe no one in this House has any doubts about that. With over 32 million reports in 2022, stronger EU-wide protection is urgently needed. The DSA sets a framework, but enforcement is still too weak. We need real accountability from platforms and better coordination across all of the 27 Member States. This legislation brings essential updates, clear definitions, longer limitation periods, and stronger victim support. This is the great advantage of these documents.”
“That's why I urge the European Commission to act decisively regarding this law and to initiate the infringement procedure together with a motion for interim measures for effectiveness of these actions. The lack of an interim measure in this case will simply put the safety of the whole Union in the hands of Putin's Trojan horse in our community. 1-0168-0000”
“Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, a week ago, a draft bill on so-called 'transparency of public life' targeting foreign-funded NGOs was published by the Hungarian Parliament. This is another scandal. This is another attack on European values. It is very similar to laws adopted by authoritarian states, including Russia, and it is intended to block any independent voices against Orbán's regime. Let us be clear: if this law comes into force, it would risk draconic penalties for Hungarian freedom fighters. This law follows the 'defence of sovereignty' law, which is already the subject of an infringement procedure by the European Commission, now proceeded in the Court of Justice. I fully agree with what Commissioner McGrath said: freedom of speech is the essence of democracy.”
“Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, the United States is again turning to protectionism – an approach history has shown to hurt, not to help, citizens. Tariffs may look like a shield, but act like a sword, raising prices and limiting choices. Europe must not respond with isolation. Our strength is openness, competitiveness and fair trade partnerships. Instead of building walls, let's deepen ties with democratic allies, from Canada and Australia to Japan, and at the same time, maintain relations with the United States as much as economic profitability allows. Let's not allow others' short-term thinking to define our future. Free trade is not naive. It's in Europe's best interest. 2-0089-0000”
“So look at the verdicts of the Court of Justice, of the European Court of Human Rights. You lost all of the cases. All of the cases. That's my answer. 3-0314-0000”
“Emlékeztetném: Lengyelországban figyelmen kívül hagyják az alkotmánybírósági határozatokat, párttársai elfoglalták a köztévét, képviselőket a nyílt utcán tartóztatnak le. Képviselői nyilatkozata alapján itt kinyomtattam, Ön ugyanazoktól a baloldali NGO-tól kapott támogatást, melyek aktívan szóltak bele, avatkoztak bele a magyar belpolitikába. Kérdezném Önt, ezért támadja a magyar szülők és gyermekek alkotmányos jogait? Ezért szeretné ráerőltetni a magyar családokra a gender- és transzideológiát terjesztő NGO-kat? Megvédjük a gyermekeinket! 3-0313-0000 Michał Wawrykiewicz (PPE), blue-card answer. – I will respond to you very easily and clearly. I went through all of these lies and manipulation in Poland between 2015 and 2023. But I'm a lawyer. I stick to the facts and the court verdicts, and you should as well.”
“Hungary has been in Europe for more than 1000 years, and the Hungarian people will not allow anyone to turn it away from Europe, from its values, from the democratic principles of the state, from the style and prosperity of life, and from the alliances of the Western world to which Hungary indisputably belongs. The Orbán regime feels it, sees it, experiences it – the mood on the street – and it's starting to get scared, because the time will come to bear responsibility for all that has happened over the 15 years. And all of these recent legislative actions that break the rules of the democratic world are a sign of fear and panic. (The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question) 3-0312-0000 Ernő Schaller-Baross (PfE), kékkártyás kérdés. – Képviselőtársam többször járt már Magyarországon, talán utoljára a Tisza Párt rendezvényén.”
“Madam President, Commissioner, Minister, spring has arrived on the Danube River. Not only in this calendar sense, but in a symbolic narrative. Freedom has blossomed in the hearts and minds of the people. Yes, the Hungarian Spring of the people has arrived. After 15 years, the people have finally had enough. They have had enough of the arrogant regime, the methods of rule taken from the autocratic, brutal autocracy and the sowing of hatred and fear, the drastic violation of the rule of law, the lying and the manipulative propaganda, the kleptocracy and the corruption, and finally the turning of Hungary away from the Western civilisation, from Western Europe, from its roots and the desires, and changing vectors toward a cruel totalitarian tyrant from the East. The people have had enough.”
“Or, ici, nous avons une commission qui s’occupe de ce qu'il se passe dans les pays de l’Union européenne: la commission LIBE. Et je suis sûre que, quand il y a des écarts, cette commission, dont je fais d’ailleurs partie, fait bien son travail. Je voudrais par ailleurs dire que les interventions des collègues montrent bien que ce monde entre dans une ère nouvelle, une ère où le droit international, la démocratie, l’état de droit et les droits de l’homme sont fondamentalement remis en cause. L’Union européenne doit garder le cap et réaffirmer ses valeurs, qui construisent un monde de justice et de respect de la personne humaine. Si nous voulons que notre voix se fasse entendre sur l’échiquier mondial, nous devons être unis. Ce n’est qu’unis que nous serons assez forts pour nous faire entendre. 2-0265-0000”
“– Monsieur le Président, Madame la Vice-Présidente et Haute Représentante Kaja Kallas, merci beaucoup pour vos paroles et pour tout le travail que vous faites pour défendre notre démocratie et les droits de l’homme. Je voudrais aussi remercier les rapporteurs fictifs, qui ont travaillé de manière très constructive. Nous avons réussi à travailler dans le consensus, et j’espère que le rapport pourra trouver une large majorité demain, quand il sera voté. Aux collègues dans cet hémicycle qui ont parlé des pays de l’Union européenne, je voudrais rappeler que ce rapport est un rapport de la commission des affaires étrangères. Il concerne donc les pays qui sont en dehors de l’Union européenne. Vous êtes souvent prompts à parler de subsidiarité.”
“Defending human rights and democracy is an opportunity for the European Union to also play on its strength because third countries are also looking towards us in this regard. It's an opportunity to grow the European Union's partnership around a model that combines mutually beneficial investments with sustainable progress for all parts of society, and to address global challenges with integrity and reduce global inequalities altogether. So, the European Parliament here is a crucial ally. Thank you for your work and I continue to count on your support. 2-0263-0000 SĒDI VADA: ROBERTS ZĪLE Priekšsēdētāja vietnieks 2-0264-0000 Isabel Wiseler-Lima, rapporteure.”
“It is active cultivation of justice, it's protection of the most vulnerable, the realisation of all human rights, and commitment to dialogue and reconciliation. Peace cannot come at the expense of human dignity and human rights. Peace endures because human dignity and human rights are protected. Therefore, protecting human rights and human dignity is also the fundamental strategic interest for the European Union because, like many of you said, the European Union is founded on peace, democracy and unity. We must make very clear that we will not tolerate the erosion of these rights and freedoms that really define us. Now more than ever, we must unite in defence of our common values.”
“And we must lead by example and speak out clearly, whether it's Istanbul, Managua, Tehran, Moscow or even a Member State that violates our fundamental rights, like Budapest. Silence is complicity. Democracy must be defended everywhere and every day. This is our duty. 2-0261-0000 (End of catch-the-eye procedure) 2-0262-0000 Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. – Madam President, honourable Members, thank you for this exchange of views. When we discuss the challenges posed to human rights and democracy today, at the heart of these challenges, of course, is peace. And peace is not simply the absence of war.”
“Madam President, Madam Commissioner, the EU was built on the foundations of human dignity, human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Today, as we examine this report, we see those very principles under attack globally and unfortunately, yes, also in our union. Human rights defenders are persecuted and convicted. Constitutional rules are brutally violated. Civil society is shrinking. Across the world, free elections, independent media and the rule of law are being eroded. And we cannot be neutral in the face of this. Our foreign policy must reflect our values. This means effective measures against human rights abusers and strong vocal support for those risking their lives for freedom and justice.”
“But let's be clear efficiency cannot mean turning a blind eye to human rights and dignity. Let us be effective, but never forget our identity. 2-0338-0000”
“Madam President, Mr Commissioner, Minister, colleagues, it seems to be quite obvious that we have to take a decisive step to fix the EU's broken return system. This is the time. The new regulation needs to deliver effective, fast and coordinated returns. Like my colleague Lena Düpont pointed out today, those who are not entitled to stay on EU territory should be returned – it's simple as that. As expressed by Mr Commissioner, those who posed a threat should be returned, should be removed. I would add that prioritising the returns of those who pose a threat to our common security is key. Improving the effectiveness and sustainability of the returns is one of the priorities of the Polish Presidency. Poland is supporting innovative solutions, including the concept of return hubs.”
“Once again, at a time of global crisis and uncertainties, we need to strengthen the multilateral system and foster cooperation and solidarity among actions and nations to build a healthier, safer and more equitable world for all. I thank you again for this rich exchange. 3-0438-0000”
“We remain, however, committed to our values and objectives reaching beyond our borders, and yes, we will continue to stand up for multilateral cooperation and work with partners to this end. We will continue to lead on climate and on global health security for all, and as Commissioner responsible for humanitarian aid, I can assure you the EU will continue its strong humanitarian action for two simple and important reasons: it is who we are and it is in our own interests as well. We hope that the US – also in their own interests – will return to the Paris Climate Agreement and to WHO. We will advocate for it, we are already on it. Now, as regards the US foreign aid suspension, we will not speculate on what the US review will finally entail and we will analyse the full potential impact once the conclusions of the review are known.”
“We need to understand and remember: they are not only think-tanks, they often operate on the ground, on the front lines and they provide sensitive area services, so we need, as Europe, to provide them with help because they are a true democracy shield for us. 3-0436-0000 (Fine della procedura "catch the eye") 3-0437-0000 Hadja Lahbib, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, honourable Members, I thank you for sharing your perspectives. Following the advice given by many of you, I will concentrate my concluding remarks on what the EU can do, should do and is doing. Actually, the EU has no choice but to adapt for the changing world order and to respond to it.”
“Madam President, Madam Commissioner, the conclusion seems to be very simple: Europe must take responsibility for itself and we can no longer assume that the US will lead. We must strengthen our own resilience, deepen cooperation and invest in stability on our own terms. For years, I was the part of civil society. Actually, I landed here in the Parliament directly from the Free Courts Initiative – an NGO in Poland struggling for the rule of law – so I perfectly understand this particular problem with funding cuts for non-governmental organisations, which are an integral part of the Western world. I recently organised a short meeting with NGOs from Poland, and I heard their alarming reports from the ground.”
“Therefore, I strongly encourage you to work on it, to work on increasing your tools, and what I want to assure you is that this House is ready for cooperation. 3-0093-0000”
“Madam President, Mr Commissioner, what I expect from the European Commission when it comes to strategic initiatives for this term is to be a decisive firm guardian of the rule of law and democracy, using all possible available tools that you have at your disposal. But not only – I also expect legislative initiatives to be taken to strengthen the existing toolbox. This is what we learned in recent years from the countries which were clearly violating our principles, values and rules. This is what we learned from Poland between 2015 and 2023, and this is what we learned from Hungary until now, that even the most appropriate, correct and rapid use of the infringement proceedings, Article 7 and also the conditionality mechanism is not effective enough to protect the rule of law.”
“As Ms Amaglobeli warns: 'today, it is me; tomorrow it could be anyone.' The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing. Let us not fail Georgia! 2-0512-0000”
“Mr President, Commissioner: 'I will not bow to this regime; I will not play by its rules. I am on the hunger strike. There is something greater than life itself - it's freedom.' These powerful words from the courageous Georgian journalist Ms Mzia Amaglobeli remind us how serious the situation in Georgia is today. As she stands against the pro-Russian regime of Ivanishvili, I stand with her and with all of these fantastic people on the streets of Tbilisi or Batumi; and I can simply say 'I'm Georgian today!'. Europe underestimated Russian imperialists for many decades. We cannot repeat the mistakes of Yalta in 2014. Now is the time to act. We must impose stronger sanctions and support free media, as well as citizens struggling for the democratic and European future of Georgia.”