Speeches

Madam President, Commissioner, dear rapporteur, in a world where authoritarian regimes are developing in a worrying way, human rights defenders play an absolutely essential role in promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law. In this sense, they are true allies of the European Union. We have a responsibility to protect and support them in their activities in defence of democracy. It is difficult to imagine what many human rights defenders endure, but also their relatives, families and friends, harassed, imprisoned, tortured and sometimes even murdered. These lawyers, journalists, politicians, members of organisations, but also ordinary citizens often put their safety, when it is not their lives, at stake to defend the values we believe in. So when they risk imprisonment, when their lives are threatened, we owe it to them to facilitate their urgent relocation and access to a visa. Beyond that, there is also a need to combat impunity for those who persecute human rights defenders. Because committed people who organise demonstrations or defend their ancestral lands or simply document human rights violations cannot be tolerated to be persecuted. The EU’s global human rights sanctions regime, the Magnitsky Act, allows us to target serious human rights violations and abuses around the world. It must be used against the culprits. To conclude, I would like to repeat that these men and women are fighting for the most basic of rights: human rights. They oppose injustice. Their situation is unacceptable and we owe them a great deal. We really owe them a lot.

Madam President, the Istanbul Convention is a flagship tool to combat violence against women and girls, and domestic violence. It is first and foremost a question of preventing such violence, but also of eliminating impunity, which all too often reinforces the aggressors. There is a huge amount of work to be done to ensure that there is awareness on the part of the people who are able to help. The victim’s listening must be empathetic, as soon as he or she has spoken, his or her protection must be effective and, lastly, the prosecution of the aggressor must be effective. Because when the victim fears not being taken seriously, when she fears not being protected, when she often fears for her life, when she fears that the only consequences of her denunciation are that she will be punished by her executioner, the vicious circle is never interrupted. The European Union has signed the Istanbul Convention, but has not ratified it. Twenty-one EU countries have signed and ratified the Istanbul Convention. The remaining six countries have also signed, but not ratified, and oppose ratification at European level. Article 2 of our Treaty obliges us, even beyond obvious moral considerations, to sign this Convention. Qualified majority voting in the Council is sufficient, and it allows the European Union to move forward. Let us therefore ratify the Istanbul Convention!

Madam President, first of all, I would like to thank you for the debate that has taken place. But given some statements, I would really like to reiterate that I am proud to be the rapporteur for a text that, here in Parliament, reaffirms the dignity of every human being, the right to be who you are, to love who you love and to believe or not believe. I would really like to thank my colleagues for this text, which we were able to produce in this way. Some totalitarianisms also seek at international level to change the very definition of human rights. I must say that I am rather saddened that they have found a relay in this Parliament for this. Then I also hear colleagues, when they are told: Here's what's wrong, answer: We're looking at what's wrong with another place. It is a way of diverting the conversation that is excessively unpleasant. Finally, I would like to thank Commissioner Reynders once again for all he has said and for the Commission's action. And I must say that I am particularly pleased that the European Union’s global sanctions regime, which has been called for many times by Parliament, has emerged. Two points, if I may, will, I believe, really increase its effectiveness. First, the request, already made by another colleague, to add corruption. Second, qualified majority voting, which would be very welcome when it comes to sanctions when it comes to human rights. Thanks again to all colleagues, it was a pleasure to work with them.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, when presenting the European Parliament’s annual report on the state of democracy and human rights in the world, let me start with a few positive notes, thinking of all those women and men around the world who stand up for democracy and for human rights. Their dedication and self-sacrifice inspire and give courage. The risk to their lives to obtain freedom and dignity must give us the measure of these values that we defend. In this document, Parliament reiterates the extent to which the European Union is and remains committed to fundamental values, the rule of law, democracy and human rights. It emphasises what we are doing to support democracy and human rights and, above all, reaffirms the universality of human rights, rights that seek to protect human dignity, just as it reaffirms our unconditional choice of democracy. These speeches, which today want to denigrate democracy, portraying it as ineffective and undesirable, inferior to authoritarianism, we reject them and refer to the unprecedented number of people around the world who are ready to sacrifice themselves for democracy and the freedom it entails. The report also provides new avenues for our positions and actions to become more effective in defending human rights and democracy. If I felt it necessary to reaffirm this evidence and speak of courage, it is because the state of democracy in the world is worrying and the evolution is ongoing, even more so. Countries that lean towards authoritarianism are twice as numerous as countries moving towards more democracy. Even long-established democracies, as we have unfortunately seen, are not immune. A real awareness is therefore needed to understand the global atmosphere, where false propaganda and large-scale disinformation reign, which is suitable for populism and endangers our democracies. We must take full measure of the challenges that, under these conditions, are before us. In defence and democracy, we must make this fight against disinformation a top priority. Because if democracies do not win the battle for information, for freedom of expression, if we do not guarantee a place for independent journalism that succeeds in making itself heard, we will not win against the interference of authoritarian countries at home and elsewhere in the world. Freedom of the press is an indispensable condition for democracy. However, the attacks against it are constant. The oppression of journalists is therefore one of the many issues addressed in this report. The situation of women in the world is also declining. The Covid crisis and food insecurity, further exacerbated by the war against Ukraine, are heavily affecting women, as are children who have been left out of school. And many women and children have been severely affected by domestic violence. Rising populism is fertile ground for intolerance, xenophobia, racism and discrimination. The importance of education in this context is self-evident. Finally, I would like to end with Russia’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. It seemed to me a necessity that in this 2022 report of the European Parliament the atrocities committed on Ukrainian soil on our doorstep should be condemned and that EU solidarity should be reaffirmed. I very sincerely thank my colleagues, the shadow rapporteurs, their teams and those of the political groups, as well as my own team. Only exemplary collaboration and mutual respect have allowed us to achieve this result.

Madam President, I believe in our democracy and I believe in our values. To protect them, to even allow them to exist, journalists play a key role. They are indispensable to democracy. Defending journalists also means safeguarding freedom of expression and the independence of the media. Reliable information enables citizens to make informed decisions. It is by creating the necessary area of freedom and the required security conditions that journalists will be able to exercise their profession: inform the public, with all the seriousness that this task entails. It is up to us to create the necessary legal conditions for their work environment to be safe. That is why I welcome our texts, which seek to prevent abusive legal proceedings or, where necessary, to promote close police protection. Today, however, forms of harassment of journalists have multiplied and are taking unexpected forms. On the net, using social media, it is often the reputation that is sought to be destroyed, especially when it comes to investigative journalists or fact-checkers. Unfortunately, the figures show that women journalists are even more targeted than their colleagues. We need to be aware of this new data and adapt all our measures, including at Member State level.

Mr President, what can we say today about foreign interference endangering democracy? We are now – and I would say – focusing on disinformation by foreign bodies, on China’s disproportionate influence on our economies and infrastructure, and on Russia’s disproportionate economic and political influence, with its active party support or influence in elections. We must protect ourselves and detect the flaws in our system that allow these power grabs, which I would call underground. Our openness to the world, our freedoms of expression, the press and many others, these values that are so dear to us, contain in them the risks that sometimes prevent us from protecting ourselves. However, it is imperative that we find a way to counter these attacks and decisively prevent disinformation from circulating, while protecting our freedoms. Yes, it is a war of disinformation that is being waged. The goal is the weakening of our democracy. Maintaining our freedoms by preventing foreign interference: This is the challenge. Today, we need to talk about corruption, which is causing damage that also undermines trust in democracy. When a foreign power uses it, it is foreign interference. Corruption is illegal, our laws punish it. We have confidence in justice at home, where the rule of law is in place.

Mr President, the death of Mahsa Amini is a tragedy. The Iranian population in revolt demonstrates exceptional courage given the brutality of the repression. I thought that the most appropriate way to condemn the violence of the Iranian authorities against its population, and women in particular, was to give a voice to those who revolt. So I will quote one of those anonymous but determined young Iranians who are rising up and putting a lot of hope in us. This young Iranian intended to leave his country but decided to stay and fight. I quote it in English. “We believe the world might have a wrong and distorted image from Iranian people, especially over the past decades. But we want to correct it. We are not this government, we hate it. We are Iranians, from a country with more than 2,500 years of history. We believe in love, peace, human rights. We hate brutal Islamic laws. And for this, our children, our young people are killed by the regime. We might be arrested or killed.’ – But, he continues, this is only the beginning for a profound change. They ask us Europeans to help them by refusing any compromise with an oppressive regime. Let's support these young Iranians in their fight.

Madam President, Ursula von der Leyen, in her State of the Union address, said that the Commission would protect the EU budget by using the conditionality mechanism. This is what the Commission is doing with the present proposals on Hungary, on which the Council now has to take a decision. While the proposed measures are intended to protect the EU budget, the shortcomings underlying these measures clearly show that the rule of law is at risk in Hungary. The independence of the judiciary is a major problem. Indeed, neither the principles of legal certainty nor the prohibition of arbitrariness of the executive power are guaranteed, which is however essential given the findings of various irregularities, systematic deficiencies and weaknesses in public procurement. The financial interests of the Union are clearly at risk. However, it is inconceivable, especially in the current crisis conditions where many EU citizens are struggling with the end of the month, that EU funds are allocated under conditions of non-transparency and in a context of increased risk of corruption and conflicts of interest. May the Council react quickly!

Madam President, the unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine is an attack on the international order. We must condemn it unreservedly and help the Ukrainian people by all means to win this war, for security in Europe and for the safeguarding of democracy on our continent. But the abuses of Russian officials go far beyond concerns about maintaining international order. The very notion of human dignity is annihilated when faced with the deportation of civilians thousands of kilometres from their place of life and the forced adoption of Ukrainian children in Russia. These are abject acts reminiscent of the times we had hoped had passed on the European continent. However, they are committed on a large scale, with more than 1.5 million Ukrainians deported, including more than 200 000 children. These acts cannot go unpunished. Every effort should therefore be made to gather evidence of the crimes committed and to bring the perpetrators before an international tribunal as soon as possible.

Madam President, Commissioner, having to present a report such as this is a difficult time. Hungary is a country of the European Union and, as such, it has to respect the values on which the Union is founded. While Hungary has deviated from these values, we have failed to keep it on the path on which we want to move forward together. It is also a collective failure that we are here. That said, the criticism made by the defenders of the Orbán government that in the other EU countries there are also discrepancies that are blamed on the Hungarian government is really not valid. Indeed, while some states need to work on either point in order to fully respect the rule of law, these countries agree and, in principle, take steps to address it. In Hungary, the difference is that we do not face isolated problems, but the problems are systemic. Deviations from the rule of law have widened rather than been narrowed or eliminated. Moreover, the Hungarian Government denies that there are problems and shows no willingness to change anything. This report – and I thank the rapporteur for keeping this course throughout – we wanted it to be factual. It identifies breaches of the rule of law in full respect of the facts. Its strength lies in extensive research and documentation. The evidence comes from official reports and statements from international organisations such as the Venice Commission, the United Nations, the Council of Europe. Reference is also made to judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights. As for the extent of the problems mentioned in the report, this is reflected in the table of contents alone. I would simply like to refer in particular to the problems of judicial independence, which the Commissioner has discussed at length, but also to those relating to media pluralism. I would particularly like to point out this one, because impartial, or at least plural, information is essential for a well-functioning democracy. However, public support goes to the press close to the government, which leads to the weakening of the independence of the media. It is important that the Commission and the Council take steps to influence the attitude of the Hungarian government in order to restore the rule of law in Hungary.

Madam President, defending democracy, giving our support to those, government or civil society, who are trying to safeguard democracy is a duty, but also a necessity, not to put ourselves at risk. Authoritarian regimes are on the rise around the world. We must affirm with conviction that democracy is the goal, that democracy is the form of government most capable of respecting the human being and a guarantor of respect for human rights. Many commentators drew a parallel between the situation of Ukraine and that of Taiwan. Both have a powerful neighbor who considers their territory to belong to him. In recent years, Russian aggression against Ukraine has continued to grow, while the West has been mostly preaching a conciliatory attitude so that Russia does not feel provoked. We saw the result. An authoritarian country does not need provocations to use force. The only thing that can stop him is the certainty that his aggression is doomed to failure. This is what must determine our positions and actions. There is no doubt that we do not hesitate to defend democracies. China must know that we stand with Taiwan.

Madam President, the rule of law must be respected. The President of the Commission promised to do so. I assume that she keeps her word. Therefore, it is not a question of isolating Hungary and Poland within the European Union, but of protecting the Hungarian and Polish peoples and finding ways to convince those countries to return to the path of the rule of law. If Poland, as it stands, can be convinced that the judicial reforms we are demanding will be carried out in a short period of time, I can accept the publicity of a green light given to the Polish recovery plan, since this green light requires judicial reforms to take place now, before the funds are disbursed. This is a matter of rhetoric, since the conditions will still have to be met. The deadlines shall be indicated in the approval. On the substance, there is no difference between announcing a conditional approval or saying that the recovery plan will only be approved once the judicial reforms have been completed. If this can convince the Polish government to act, then support Ursula von der Leyen. When I hear some people say, at the heart of Russia’s war in Ukraine, that it is necessary to ensure that Mr Putin does not lose face, I am bristled. It is therefore difficult for me to understand that, when it comes to convincing an EU government to respect the rule of law, some people do not accept a rhetoric that must lead the Polish government to submit to our conditions. Having said that, I can in no way accept that EU money arrives in Poland without the required judicial reforms having actually taken place.

Madam President, I would like to thank Commissioner Reynders. The Commission’s annual report is a real added value for democracy in the European Union. I would like to point out, also to counter biased voices, that in this report, all Member States are subject to the same scrutiny, according to the same indicators, with the same method. However, I would like to raise a criticism already raised last year. The report must make a very clear difference between systemic and isolated violations. Pointing out this difference is essential. We cannot allow countries like Hungary or Poland to address one or the other problematic, isolated point in other countries that otherwise have healthy systems and let them put these isolated points on the same footing as violations that are disruptive, systemic and endanger the very foundations of our democracies. Secondly, I would like to note a real concern about the rule of law in the EU, in view of the contempt of some governments for the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union. Judgments of the Court are not optional, in particular when they are intended to prevent discrimination. We need to find a way to remedy this. Finally, I would like to end on a point that is particularly close to my heart: the independence of the media and the safety of journalists are not guaranteed. As we know, fair and free information is essential to democracy. We need to find ways to protect journalists so that they can work peacefully and without self-censorship. Investigative journalism is an important part of the fight against corruption. It is simply not acceptable for journalists to be subjected to harassment, intimidation or death threats. The Commission's proposal for a directive to act against abusive prosecutions, known as SLAPPs, is an important step. Unfortunately, we will still have to do more.

Madam President, first of all, I would like to pay tribute to the incredible courage of Ukrainian women in this war imposed on them by Russia and which nothing, absolutely nothing, justifies. Women soldiers, they are combatants in the army. Mothers and politicians, I heard them say that humanitarian aid is important, but that the most important thing is the delivery of weapons to defend their freedom. What courage also for those who set out to survive and protect their children. Fighters, yes. But there are also those who, powerless in the face of brute and inhuman force, have suffered the worst of humiliation and violence. Rape as a weapon of war has destroyed even the strongest. Physically and mentally bruised, they struggle to survive, to heal. Many came to the European Union, where most were welcomed with open arms, with great dedication from their hosts and many associations did a remarkable job. However, other dangers, unfortunately, are also lurking in our country: trafficking in human beings and abuses of all kinds. We must do our utmost to protect Ukrainians seeking refuge in our country, especially the most vulnerable among them, including single women and children. Financial, administrative, medical and psychological assistance resources must continue to be developed and developed. This is one of the points that this European Parliament resolution seeks to highlight.

The European Union has clearly asked for what needs to be done in a very clear manner, in a manner in which you can’t go and pick one word that wouldn’t be exactly what it should be. You have the text, so look at it and you’ll know it.

Madam President, the rule of law is one of the fundamental values that define the European Union. We must do everything we can to defend it, otherwise we will cease to be the area of freedom and democracy that we are. We know that this rule of law is being undermined in Poland, not least because of its judicial system, and in Hungary, not least because of the problems of corruption. The most important procedure at the disposal of the European Union to protect the rule of law within it is undoubtedly that of Article 7, since, when completed, it allows the right to vote in the Council to be withdrawn from the sanctioned State. But it is at an impasse because it is blocked in the Council because of the lack of the required unanimity. We cannot go on like this. It is to be hoped that under the French Presidency we can move forward. But I also say that we either manage to get out of this impasse, or we have to stop and do something else. When such a procedure lasts five years without success, one ridicules oneself. All the more so as we must leave no doubt about our positions. Hungary once again elected Viktor Orbán as its leader, but he defends an illiberal order that does not correspond to our values. Similarly, its positions vis-à-vis Russia and Ukraine are flawed within the European Union. I therefore consider it particularly important to note that yesterday the Commission officially triggered this other instrument that we have at our disposal against Hungary, the conditionality mechanism, which will allow us to take control of the European funds that would be intended for that country. Finally, some people need to stop mixing everything. Yes, Poland and Hungary must also rely on us financially to help take care of Ukrainian refugees, but this is no reason to delay actions to defend the rule of law. (The speaker agreed to answer a blue card question)

Mr President, Russia’s war against Ukraine had to be at the heart of the EU-China summit. The horror of what is happening on Ukrainian territory demands it. If China concedes that this war threatens global security and the global economy, for us, this war is a threat that jeopardises everything we believe in and our immediate security. In light of Russia’s lies, our leaders face the harsh reality that authoritarian regimes must be measured by their actions and not by their words. This applies to Russia as it does to China. Given China’s comprehensive attitude towards Russia, I cannot help but wonder about the Russian-Chinese exchanges prior to the Russian invasion and the cartel displayed at the Beijing Olympics, including the assurance – I quote – of China’s unlimited friendship with Russia. How can we interpret the meaning of friendship without limits, when these words were spoken before Russia’s imminent invasion of Ukraine? What we must in any case note is that no condemnation of Russia has taken place by the Chinese authorities. Let us hope that at least China’s ambitions for economic conquest will lead it to focus on actions that will promote global economic stability. Having the certainty that Ukraine will fight until its territory is liberated from the Russian occupier and that the European Union will support Ukraine to the end is therefore vital.

Madam President, it has been a year since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan. The situation is dramatic from many points of view: Hunger, disease, malnutrition and death have taken on alarming proportions. And the Taliban impose laws abolishing freedom. Of all the suffering inflicted on Afghans, that of girls and women is particularly cruel. Because they are women, public responsibilities are forbidden to them. Because they are women, they are limited in their movements. Because they are women, they are prohibited from education beyond primary school. Because they are women, they can be sold in marriage from an early age. From birth, these little human beings, because they are girls, are destined to submit and suffer. It is simply revolting! We must continue to denounce and condemn the plight of women in Afghanistan. For 20 years, they had gradually taken positions in many cities where they had the power to influence Afghan society. They were lawyers, they were journalists, they had important positions in the administration. Today, repression is rampant. I am therefore particularly appreciative of the women who still dare to fight for their rights in Afghanistan. For them and all other Afghan women and girls, we must continue to denounce. Silence is not an option. We cannot accept that the power of the strongest is imposed by force and crushes the weakest, neither here nor elsewhere.

Mr President, the images of lifeless elongated bodies are unbearable. Women, men and children who thought they could escape the horror in which they have been locked for days are trapped by Russian bullets. We must be ready to welcome all those who will succeed in escaping this horror. Nor are they happy, those who manage to flee. Most often women and children, alone, their father, their husband having stayed behind, fighting for a free Ukraine, now devastated. More than two million people, half of them children, seek refuge in the European Union, and estimates speak of between six and eight million Ukrainian refugees in the near future. They arrive exhausted, without anything, without a future, without knowing where to stay or how to feed themselves. They wonder where, or even if, their children will go to school. The European Union, and the neighbouring countries in particular, reacted in an extraordinary way. ‘EU at its best’. This had not been the case for the war in Syria. Borders, from an institutional point of view, have not been an obstacle and the spontaneous help of citizens has been decisive. Since then, the European Union has also introduced the Temporary Protection Directive and has shown solidarity without procrastination. But we are absolutely not at the end of our sentences. We need to make sure that we give more than a shelter to these Ukrainians who are coming to us. Above and beyond housing, it will be necessary to ensure that children attend school. We have no idea how long this dire humanitarian situation will last. These people ask for nothing but to return to their country to live freely, with their families. But the reality is quite different. The European Union, at all levels of government and up to the smallest village, has a titanic task to accomplish. Let us do it, and let us live up to the courageous Ukrainians who fight for freedom and democracy. Slava Ukraini

Madam President, it was a war before the war. Disinformation supported or initiated by foreign states in our democratic countries is exactly that: A war. The associated term "hybrid" in no way diminishes the violence against our Western societies. Indeed, foreign interference seeks to manipulate public opinion through lies in order to destabilise our societies. It must be fought with all possible vehemence. The Russian influence in the US elections that saw Donald Trump come to power or the Russian influence on the outcome of the Brexit referendum that led to the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union are very serious events. They not only endanger democratic processes, but also lead to divisive political realities among Western countries. Divided, we are weakened: exactly the goal sought by autocratic regimes. We must be aware that our Western democracies have inherent weaknesses in the system. The freedom to which we hold above all else and which determines our way of life, when misused, is a danger to itself. Too often, it also allows the expression of those who want to destroy it. So there are clearly new limits to be defined. Yes, Mr Rivière, yes, Mrs Delli, don't you displease! For tolerance cannot give space to intolerance and authoritarianism. Our democratic societies must give themselves the means to fight with determination those who want to destroy our values. I welcome the work of Sandra Kalniete and our INGE Committee. I welcome the tracks presented as well as our unity and determination, further increased in the face of the revolt felt, in the face of the war waged in Ukraine by Russia.

Madam President, the European Union has created the Next Generation EU fund to counter the disastrous economic effects of COVID-19. At the end of 2020, we voted for a historic budget with exemplary solidarity from the community of the countries of the European Union. It is therefore logical that this solidarity implies that EU funds are protected and used wisely. Many safeguards have been put in place, including the general regime of conditionality for the EU budget. It requires respect for the rule of law – in short, evidence: it is in fact inconceivable that an EU country would oppose this requirement. Therefore, the fact that Hungary and Poland have lodged an appeal against this conditionality regime seems above all to show that these two countries themselves assume that they are in breach of the principles of the rule of law. Today, the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union rejects the legal actions of Hungary and Poland against the conditionality regime. There is therefore no longer any obstacle to the initiation of proceedings against countries which do not respect the rule of law. We welcome this victory of democracy. The ultimate goal, however, is obviously not to block the funds that would accrue to a State, but rather that the States concerned make the necessary changes within their institutions to respect the rule of law. The European Union was created to provide an area of freedom, justice and democracy for its citizens. These are the values we stand for and continue to stand for today for all citizens of the European Union.

Madam President, Mr High Representative, two years ago I was saying here that what was of particular concern to me was the rise of authoritarianism as a political project. Unfortunately, we must note that this movement has grown further and that authoritarian regimes around the world have now become the majority. However, it is these regimes that are the privileged places of arbitrariness. This is where human rights abuses are committed with impunity, where freedom of speech does not exist and where journalists end up in prison or are murdered. We must openly and by all means in our power support those who are committed to democracy. Aggressive authoritarianism is plaguing this land, and it poses a danger not only to distant lands, but also to our own societies, subject to cyberattacks, disinformation and electoral interference, to the rise of the far right. The temptation of authoritarianism is an external as well as an internal evil. We need to empower ourselves to defend democracy here and around the world.

Mr President, today's resolution to the European Parliament on violations of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong follows many others denouncing the repression of the democratic opposition in Hong Kong, including imprisonment. It is also a follow-up to statements by the High Representative and representatives of the External Action Service of the European Union, as well as by the Presidents of the Council and the Commission, thus demonstrating the constancy and unity of position of the European Union in this area. We promised those in Hong Kong who stood up to defend freedom and democracy that we would not forget them. We continue to deliver on this promise today by reaffirming China’s obligation to comply with its commitments and obligations under international law enshrined in the Sino-British Declaration in the case of Hong Kong. In this resolution, the European Parliament therefore denounces the changes made to the electoral system preventing a democratic vote, the continued shrinking of civil society space – among other things, the dissolution of numerous NGOs and trade unions, including teachers and lawyers –, the disappearance of media outlets, the attempt to erase the events in Tiananmen Square from memory by prohibiting tribute to the demonstrators killed in 1989. And I could go on with that list. I would like to conclude by saying that we will never be able to accept the international challenge to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, just as we do not accept attempts by China or any other country or body to redefine these same rights or the principles of democracy. Finally, current events have forced us to reflect on this and I would like to point out that, in this European Parliament resolution, we call on the Commission, the Council and the Member States to decline invitations to government representatives to attend the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing.

Mr President, 2022, European Year of Youth. There would be a thousand justifications. I would just like to mention that young people bear more than their share in this pandemic. Not only have they been confined like us and their social life greatly restricted, even though the risks to their health were much less. It will also be up to them to repay the debts that are made so that our societies do not collapse under the economic consequences of the pandemic. This responsibility we place on them requires us to have greater confidence in how this money is spent. It is therefore a good thing to have called the NextGenerationEU instrument. A constant reminder and a compass. It is indeed imperative that these €800 billion build the future and therefore focus on the green and digital transitions. In my various meetings with young people in the context of the Conference on the Future of Europe, they told me every time that they should learn more about the European Union at school. This request was linked to the expression of two needs: understand all that our Union brings to them and understand our historical differences, but above all what unites us. Let us therefore respond to this request.

Madam President, Commissioner, unfortunately, it is in the negative that Alexander Lukashenko shows what we are fighting for in the European Union. It shows how unscrupulous authoritarian regimes are and how dictators use unscrupulous force to stay in power. Its own population is crushed as it fights peacefully against the one who usurped power. But Alexander Lukashenko also flouts international law with absolute disdain, both for the rule of law and for human beings. First, the hijacking of a plane in order to imprison a journalist and now, with the help of criminal networks, the trafficking of human beings dumped at the borders of the European Union in order to destabilise it, which is known to be divided on migration issues. The European Union must therefore continue to show that, contrary to the expectations of Lukashenko and Russia which supports him, when attacked, the European Union knows, despite its differences, how to be united. And I would like to express my thanks to our Commissioner Schinás for the essential role he has played in this context. Finally, it is a strong sign that tomorrow we are receiving Svetlana Tikhanovskaya in this House of the European Parliament and that we are not giving in to dictatorships.