The access boycott applies to all locations in Brussels and Strasbourg, where the main debates take place, as well as the secretariat in Luxembourg.
According to the Parliament, the measure is a response to the brutal behavior of authorities in Iran against demonstrators. President Roberta Metsola emphasized that the European Parliament expresses solidarity with the Iranian people.
In addition to the access ban, possible new EU sanctions against Iran are also being discussed. Within the European Union, further measures are being considered. It is mentioned that sanctions could be extended to individuals involved in repression, violence, and executions.
The European Commission has also publicly responded to the situation. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the European Union is closely monitoring developments in Iran as repression intensifies and casualties among demonstrators increase.
According to the Commission, the EU stands with the Iranian people in their pursuit of freedom and fundamental rights. Support for democracy and human rights is described as an integral part of the European Union’s commitment.
On Wednesday, the Parliament adopted the annual report on the situation of democracy and human rights worldwide. The global situation is deteriorating amidst increasing geopolitical tensions and new challenges to the so-called multilateral order. The EU action plan on human rights and democracy needs updating to address the new situation, according to the Members of the European Parliament.
Dutch MEP Catarina Vieira (GroenLinks-PvdA), shadow rapporteur on this dossier, concludes that democracy and human rights are being undermined worldwide, including in Iran, Myanmar, Sudan, and the United States. “But we are not powerless: we can sanction perpetrators, hold governments and companies accountable for abuses. And we can and must also use our trade policy to support human rights.” She calls for people not to look away.
Attacks on democracy and human rights are increasing worldwide, the European Parliament concludes. Therefore, the EU’s multiannual budget must structurally allocate more funds to democracy and human rights. Additionally, EU digital legislation – such as the Digital Services Act (DSA), the Digital Markets Act (DMA), and the AI regulation – must contribute to defending democracy and human rights.
Fake news and deepfakes, in particular, pose a major threat to democracy. The Members of the European Parliament call on the EU to defend the rules-based international order and multilateralism. EU instruments must also be reviewed and properly financed.