President. – First of all, regarding what happened on 29January 2025, on behalf of this House, I want to extend my deepest apologies for the incident that took place on 29January during the European Ϸվ's solemn session on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The interruptions during our guest's speech, 92-year-old Corrie Hermann, and during the minute of silence for Holocaust victims were disgraceful. The gravity of such behaviour cannot be overstated. It is a dark and stark reminder of why remembrance is not just a symbolic act, but a fundamental duty that this Ϸվ – that we all – must uphold.
The appropriate consequences shall be drawn after the relevant procedures are followed. I thank the services for their assistance in this regard, and I thank all of you for being present that day.
Dear colleagues, this month marks three years since Russia launched its unprovoked, unjustified and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Three years on, Ukraine remains resilient and this Ϸվ stands with Ukraine. Tomorrow, we are honoured to welcome Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk of the Verkhovna Rada to mark this sombre anniversary. I ask you all to be present.
Also, dear colleagues, last Tuesday we were devastated to hear of the horrific mass shooting at Risbergska school in Örebro, the worst in Sweden's history. This was a senseless act of violence that claimed innocent lives, shattering families and scarring communities. Europe mourns with those who have been lost and our thoughts are with their loved ones, with all those who have been injured and with the people of Sweden in this moment of profound sorrow.
Hatred and violence have no place in Europe. The values that unites us – peace, democracy and the dignity of human life – will always prevail.
I now invite you to join me in observing one minute of silence in memory of the victims.