The conference, dedicated to the 10th anniversary of European Parliament's democracy support activities is opened by President Roberta Metsola and bring together high-level speakers to reflect upon the lessons-earned from the past ten years and stake out the way ahead in setting future priorities and development of the European Parliament's democracy support. Extracts from the opening statements and atmosphere shots of the event, with special guests such as Pat COX, former EP President, Hauwa IBRAHIM, 2005 Sakharov Prize laureate, SAlih MAHMOUD OSMAN, 2007 Sakharov Prize Laureate and Leyla YUNUS, 2014 Sakharov finalist.

McALLISTER, David (EPP, DE)

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

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

IBRAHIM, Hauwa (CU)

COX, Pat (ELDR, IE, Patrick)

OSMAN, Salih Mahmoud (SD)

TOBÉ, Tomas (EPP, SE)

president's agenda

10 Years of Supporting Democracy beyond the EU (Democracy support and Election coordination Group (DEG)): atmosphere shots

Arrivals of David McALLISTER and Roberta METSOLA (2 shots)

SOUNDBITE (English), David McALLISTER (EPP, DE), Co-Chair of Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group, Over the past ten years we have directed and expanded our activities to help other parliaments beyond the European Union's borders develop their capacities to be just the same powerful, independent political fora. Ten years ago, the world in particular the neighbourhood of our European Union, saw a powerful wave of democratisation. Today, democracy is being questioned all around us.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, It is my pleasure to be marking the ten year anniversary of the Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group and knowing that it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the European Parliament is even greater cause for celebration.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, We have understood that our duty to strengthen democracy at home goes hand-in-hand with our support for democracy worldwide and over the years, some people have sought to question this belief. However, our answer has always been a simple, yet strong one, because if we do not, we risk that democracy ceases to exist, and that is not an option for us. We firmly believe that democratic values are universal and are the basis for free, fair and peaceful societies.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, Dear colleagues and friends, defending democracy takes courage, and the Ukrainian people know this, and we know this too. Only the valour and determination of those who chose democracy made it possible for the European Union to emerge from war, destruction and tyranny.