07/04/2025 Session
“The outcome of the war of aggression against Ukraine is bound to shape the future of our continent. European democracies must continue to fully support Ukraine in its fight against the brutal and illegal aggression by the Russian Federation and strengthen this support as much as needed,” said the PACE President at the opening of the Spring Session of the Parliamentary Assembly today.
“For it is clear the outcome of this war is bound to shape the future of our continent and from that perspective this is our war too,” he added. “The war for values and principles that constitute the spine of our European identity. Let us not have any illusions: once a dictator, always a dictator.”
The Assembly “firmly and decisively stands against those who undermine democracy, the rule of law and human rights”, Mr Rousopoulos said.
The PACE President underlined that the principles of democracy “may be deeply rooted in time and very old, but not old-fashioned. And there are many in our world who turn to Europe for the courage and strength to believe once again in principles and values such as democracy, the rule of law and human rights. The world is watching us, and people are looking for prudent leadership in this era of the backsliding of democracy.”
The President also welcomed seven former Presidents of the Parliamentary Assembly who were present in the Hemicycle: René Van der Linden, Jean-Claude Mignon, Anne Brasseur, Michele Nicoletti, Liliane Maury Pasquier, Rik Daems and Tiny Kox.