Sandra KALNIETE

2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Georgia

I support this resolution as it addresses Georgia’s alarming democratic backsliding under the Georgian Dream party. Despite strong public support for EU integration, the government has failed to seize the opportunity of candidate status and is increasingly at odds with European values. The resolution rightly calls for an audit of EU policy, redirecting funds to independent NGOs and free media, and imposing targeted sanctions on those responsible, including Bidzina Ivanishvili. It reaffirms support for President Salome Zourabishvili as the legitimate representative of the Georgian people and calls for early, fair elections under international supervision. It also condemns the arrests of opposition leaders and highlights the importance of media freedom.

Resolution on the human cost of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the urgent need to end Russian aggression: the situation of illegally detained civilians and prisoners of war, and the continued bombing of civilians

I support this resolution because it sends a clear and necessary message: Russia’s unprovoked and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine must end. The EU must step up military aid to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty and people. The resolution rightly condemns Russia’s war crimes, including executions of POWs, deportation of civilians – especially children – and the deliberate targeting of civilians, which may amount to genocide. It denounces Putin’s imperialist rhetoric and efforts to erase Ukrainian identity. Accountability is not optional – Russia will be held accountable. Confiscating frozen Russian assets and strengthening sanctions are essential steps toward justice and Ukraine’s recovery. A just and lasting peace must be based on Ukraine’s terms, uphold its territorial integrity, and ensure long-term security. In a shifting global landscape, the EU must lead and remain Ukraine’s most committed strategic ally.

Resolution on the white paper on the future of European defence

By adopting this resolution on European defence, the European Parliament acknowledges the urgent need to strengthen the EU’s security and defence. It calls for increased financial commitments and a long-term strategy to safeguard the Union against growing threats. An important aspect of this resolution is the call for EU Member States to boost defence spending and allocate at least 0.25 % of their GDP to military aid for Ukraine. This commitment is essential for sustaining support against aggression while reinforcing Europe’s collective defence capabilities. Additionally, the resolution highlights the importance of protecting the EU’s borders. Initiatives like the East Shield and Baltic Defence Line should be flagship EU projects, enhancing land, air and maritime security. These measures will not only benefit the eastern Member States but will also strengthen the security of the entire Union.

Resolution on Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine

Es atbalstīju šo rezolūciju, jo tā stingri vēršas pret Krievijas agresiju un tās īstenoto dezinformāciju, kas apdraud ne tikai Ukrainas, bet arī Eiropas demokrātiju un mūsu vēstures saglabāšanu. Rezolūcija skaidri nosoda Krievijas melus, ar kuriem tā cenšas attaisnot savu iebrukumu Ukrainā, kā arī mēģinājumus falsificēt vēsturi, lai mazinātu atbalstu Ukrainai un attaisnotu savas imperiālistiskās ambīcijas. Krievijas centieni izmantot vēstures pārskatīšanu un ar to saistītā propaganda nav tikai pagātnes jautājums — tā ir aktīva kampaņa, kas tieši ietekmē arī mūsu sabiedrības, cenšoties vājināt Eiropas vienotību un demokrātisko procesu integritāti. Šī rezolūcija arī aicina uz atbildību par Krievijas kara noziegumiem, īpaša tribunāla izveidi un aktīvāku rīcību cīņā pret dezinformāciju. Eiropai vēl ir ļoti daudz darāmā. Esmu pārliecināta, ka mēs nedrīkstam pieļaut vēstures falsifikāciju un kara noziegumu ignorēšanu, jo tikai patiesība un solidaritāte ar Ukrainu var nodrošināt nākotni Eiropai.

Resolution on the need for actions to address the continued oppression and fake elections in Belarus

I supported this European Parliament resolution, as it calls on the EU to reject the presidential election in Belarus as a sham. It urges the EU, its Member States, and the international community not to recognise the legitimacy of incumbent dictator Lukashenka as president. The resolution reaffirms unwavering support for the Belarusian people in their pursuit of democracy, freedom, and human rights. The EP expresses concern over the situation of 1 200 political prisoners in Belarus and advocates for accountability measures, including the application of the 'universal jurisdiction' legal principle. Furthermore, the resolution underscores the importance of strengthening and broadening EU sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for repression in Belarus and its involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine. It also urges the EU to find legal pathways to seize assets of the Belarusian leadership and related Belarusian entities involved in the Russian war effort.