On the 14th December 2022, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of thought is awarded to the "brave people of Ukraine". A ceremony takes place in the European Parliament, in Strasbourg. Ambiance shots prior to the ceremony. Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President.

EU - Ukraine (T)

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

troubles in Ukraine (T)

ceremony

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

president's agenda

solidarity with Ukraine (T)

Ukraine's application for EU membership (T)

Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought 2022 (T)

consequences of the war in Ukraine (T)

Award of the Sakharov Prize 2022: Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, Dear friends, today marks the 293rd day of war in Ukraine. We have witnessed the inspiring resistance of ordinary citizens making the ultimate sacrifice to delay a column of tanks. Senior citizens standing up to face down Russian troops would nothing but pride as their weapons. Brave women forced to give birth in underground metro stations.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, To these people, the message from Europe has been clear. We stand with Ukraine. We will not look away. The Ukrainian people are not just fighting a war of independence, but fighting a war of values. The values which underpin our life in the European Union and that we have long had the luxury of taking full granted each and every day.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, We often speak about democracy, freedom, liberty as if they were some abstract concepts that do not really translate into much in practice. But the ability to vote for who we believe in, to read independent journalism, to assemble, and to say what we want to say, to disagree and dissent, to pursue whatever gives us most happiness in life, to live and love as we choose without consequences. These are what democracy, freedom and liberty mean.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, And the Ukrainian people deserve to have that to. This is why this is why I went to Kyiv, to assure President Zelenskyy and everyone in the Verkhovna Rada that this European Parliament will stand alongside Ukraine in this fight. This is why we sent financial, humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine and why we will continue to send more.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, This is why we adopted eight and soon nine hard-hitting packages of sanctions against Putin and his enablers and continue to amplify your calls to have Russia pay for its war crimes. This is why we granted Ukraine an EU Candidacy Status and defied every cynic who thought our unity would not hold.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, And dear friends, this is why today, we are awarding the European Parliament's most prestigious prize for freedom and human rights to The brave people of Ukraine, represented by their president, elected leaders and civil society. Because once again, we mean it when we say that we will stand in Ukraine's corner. And I know that we will have to continue doing more.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, But let us today award serve as a reminder of our unwavering support. And let it be dedicated to all those brave Ukrainian women and men on the ground. To all those who have welcomed with open hearts into our homes. And to all those who have lost their beloved family and friends. And I know that the brave people of Ukraine will not give up. And let me assure you that neither will we. Slava Ukraini.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, It is now my immense honour to give the floor to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. President Zelenskyy, you have the floor.