European Parliament stands firmly with Georgians who see their future in the EU, Metsola

The European Parliament stands “firmly” alongside all Georgians who see their future in the European Union, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said on Tuesday, stressing that this support was “consistently reflected” in the Parliament’s resolutions, statements, and actions.

Speaking about the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, Metsola said this year’s laureates - Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli and Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut - “embody courage and the fight for fundamental democratic values.”

Metsola noted that both journalists were currently imprisoned for raising their voices against persecution, but emphasized that their voices continued to be heard across Europe and beyond. “They cannot be silenced,” she said.

According to the European Parliament President, European democracy is built on freedom of thought and expression, values the EU will not abandon. She underlined that free media is an inseparable part of these principles, which is why awarding the Sakharov Prize this year to two journalists “carries particular significance.”

Metsola described Amaglobeli’s struggle as a “powerful symbol” for all those who believe that “freedom and dignity should never be surrendered.” She added that the European Parliament will continue working to keep Georgia as close as possible to the European Union, “as the Georgian people deserve.”