Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I note that the Taoiseach said the focus of the informal meeting of EU leaders was on security. Clearly, there is a huge threat to European democracy as we see increasing authoritarianism, both from Trump's Government in the US and much closer to home from the threat of Russia on Europe's borders and the threat of the Russian dictator, Putin, and his regime in particular. It is very positive to hear most European leaders standing in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. It is deeply concerning, of course, to see the approach taken by Hungary and the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has repeatedly vetoed collective support at EU level for Ukraine. Hungary has taken increasingly authoritarian actions within its own borders. I note that the Hungarian Government has recently banned LGBT pride. What can the Taoiseach say and do to stand up for LGBT rights with the Hungarian Prime Minister and to ensure that the EU holds firm, notwithstanding Orbán's position, in solidarity with the people of Ukraine?

It is not just in Ukraine of course that we see democracy under threat. I recently attended a conference hosted by the Belarusian opposition. It was inspiring to hear Belarusian opposition leaders speaking out about the dictatorial regime of Lukashenko and the authoritarianism and suppression they face. Can we mark next Tuesday, 25 March? It is Belarus Freedom Day, and it is a day when democrats across Europe should stand in solidarity with the principles of democracy.

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