MEPs debate the consequences of the undemocratic presidential elections in Russia on 18 March, including their illegitimate extension to the occupied Ukrainian territories. Closing statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Brussels

statement

debate

plenary session

EU - Russia (T)

EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights (T)

Russia's undemocratic presidential elections and their illegitimate extension to the occupied territories: Closing statements

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/75737633/1712562414449_I255269Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

BORRELL FONTELLES, Josep (PSE, ES, EC) Thank you. Thank you, President. I am very happy that so many members came to listen my concluding remarks to this important debate. Thank you for your attention. I'm not joking. The debate is important because what has happened in Russia is important. These elections did not bring any change in Russia, and so there is no change in our policy toward Russia.

BORRELL FONTELLES, Josep (PSE, ES, EC) These elections took place in the ever shrinking political space. Russian voters were deprived of a real choice. Many candidates were precluded from running, including all those who who oppose the Russia war of aggression against Ukraine. Happy to see that all the members that took the floor in this debate support the important work that we are doing in order to support the Russian civil society organizations. The Human Right Defenders and independent media.

BORRELL FONTELLES, Josep (PSE, ES, EC) I regard the rights of minorities in the electoral process according to the Russian Constitution. Russian citizens, including minorities, can run to vote. And we have been topping up the funding for a Russia pro democracy and dual actors in size and in a number of operations. We will continue supporting the Russia human rights defenders and their agenda in International Human Forum. We monitor judicial cases in Russia together with member States. Support independent media is crucial, as has been demonstrated in the electoral context. All Russia should have access to reliable information.

paragraph-4 We will continue calling on Russia to abolish repressive legislation concerning what they claim to be foreign agents. Anyone who would do it would be considered undesirable or more recently, wanted to be called on digital or wanted to in Russia, open the door to arbitrary detentions. I think I have to finish my speech, because maybe you have more important things to do in the coming moments. I know you are going to face important decisions, but I want to reiterate the Russian message illegal war of aggression against Ukraine to withdraw its military forces. And we demand also the United Nations General Assembly by an overwhelming majority of 141 member states.

BORRELL FONTELLES, Josep (PSE, ES, EC) The international community has sent this message loud and clear. I am very happy to see on this debate that we count on the support of the European Union Parliament. Thank you.