Lukas SIEPER

Resolution on Georgia’s worsening democratic crisis following the recent parliamentary elections and alleged electoral fraud

We are in a time of democratic crisis, both at home and abroad. Georgia’s recent parliamentary elections raised concerns about alleged electoral fraud and fairness, and as such, I chose to support the JMR put forward by my colleagues. In doing so, I voted in favour of democracy – by reaffirming EU values and supporting sanctions on officials responsible for democratic backsliding, violations of electoral rules, misuse of state institutions. I voted in favour of gender equality, keeping in mind the diminishing political representation of women, and of fairness and accountability, by choosing to apply EU standards to all our partners fairly, and to review Georgia’s visa-free status. We cannot compromise on our respect for fundamental rights, and I believe my votes today reflected that commitment.

Resolution on reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia

My votes today reaffirm my unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and all that it entails: continued political, financial, and military support, as well as strengthened sanctions against Russia and freezing of key assets. Russia’s aggression in Ukraine is a challenge to our democratic values and institutions, so today this Chamber has let it be known that the European Union does not respond to aggression or tyrants, and we certainly will not allow nuclear intimidation to become a legitimate tool of diplomacy. While peace is the ultimate goal in Ukraine, there are some non-negotiable conditions on which we will not compromise: territorial integrity and sovereignty, Russian accountability and reparations, and respect for international law. These are European values and they are Ukrainian values. We must protect them.

Council's recommendation on smoke- and aerosol-free environments

Promoting smoke- and aerosol-free environments is an important step in furthering public health and the EU Beating Cancer Plan. Cigarettes, as well as new emerging products like e-cigarettes or HTPs, have been proven to be incredibly damaging for both the consumer and for bystanders nearby. Keeping key public areas free from smoking will protect both smokers and non-smokers, and in particular vulnerable groups (children and youth, pregnant people, the elderly, and people with existing health conditions). More concrete action is required to meet the targets of our deeply important Beating Cancer Plan, which tackles one of the leading current challenges to public health. With this in mind, I supported the Commission’s recommendation and the initial JMR. When this failed, I chose pragmatism: I supported several standard MRs from my colleagues and their political groups. Despite the outcome today, we must still keep fighting to protect public health and I am deeply committed to this project.