Brussels Live · Press conference 2026-11-06
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[11:36:25] Speaker 1 [PL]
Dear Mr President, good morning. Ladies and Gentlemen, a very warm welcome to you all at the ceremony to award the Jan Karski Eagle Prize to the European Parliament and its representatives. Today, this will be presided over by President Roberta Metsola, whom I warmly and very warmly welcome. I take the liberty of greeting you, of course, but— I am particularly pleased to see Mr Andrzej Poczobut here with us today, and I would like to address you— And I would like to thank you very warmly for your strength of character, for your resilience, and for the principles you remain faithful to. You are an example to us. I now give the floor to Mr Andrzej Lutek, who will say a few words about the Eagle of Jan Karski Award and its laureates.

[11:38:04] Speaker 2 [PL]
Esteemed guests, the Eagle of Jan Karski Award is the only one that Professor Jan Karski himself established during his lifetime, and he did so in his own name only. It is therefore not an award in his name, but his award. One spring day in 2000, while walking along the streets of Washington’s Georgetown with his closest friend and collaborator, Waldemar Piasecki, Jan Karski noticed two eagle statuettes in the window of an antique shop. They caught his attention, as he later said, because they depicted a wise and intelligent image of this majestic bird, which is usually presented in aggressive and belligerent poses. The Professor noted that such a wise eagle could be a kind of message for his compatriots; both statues were purchased that very day, and the concept of an award and its motto was born: "For those who can truly worry with dignity over Poland." Over time, this was expanded to include: 'And for those who, though not Polish, wish Poland well.' Since its establishment, the award has gained international prestige and recognition. Its laureates include five Nobel Prize winners, four presidents of states, several well-known religious leaders and several world organisations serving peace and the idea of 'never again'.

[11:39:44] Speaker 3 [EN]
Never again.

[11:39:45] Speaker 2 [PL]
And also the Gallery of Figures Committed to Building the Common Good. One of its first laureates, Nobel laureate and creator of the concept of the Holocaust, Elie Wiesel, said that in fact the prestige of the award is measured by the time it takes for the candidate to accept it. He himself accepted it in four minutes. We have never had to wait longer than a week for acceptance. The Yad Vashem Institute took two hours. Presidents of Poland Lech Wałęsa and Aleksander Kwaśniewski did so within a day. The President of Israel, Shimon Peres, accepted it the following day, as did the Holocaust Museum in Washington and the Israeli Ghetto Fighters' House Museum. On the third day, President of Germany Horst Köhler also did so, as did the leader of the Belarusian democratic opposition and later Nobel laureate Alaksandr Bialiatski. Similarly, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Contemporary Polish heroes: Jacek Kuroń, Adam Michnik and Karol Modzelewski, as well as Tadeusz Mazowiecki, in a similar manner. It took no more than that for Oriana Fallaci or the world public good organisation Rotary International. We did not wait a week. We had the president of the World Jewish Congress, Ronald Lauder, the Vice-President of the European Commission, Věra Jourová, and the community of the Italian island of Lampedusa. There has been little more response regarding the family of the murdered Russian oppositionist Boris Nemtsov, and it has taken a little longer to respond regarding the imprisoned Alexei Navalny. The Hoover family, that of the American entrepreneur, philanthropist, politician and President of the United States Herbert Hoover, had no difficulty in making a swift decision, given his unparalleled contributions to the return to for his invaluable contributions to the return of independent Poland to the map of Europe, for his work in helping post-war reconstruction and saving the health and lives of Polish children, and for his obvious influence on shaping the system of values and life attitudes of Jan Karski. Also, we must be filled with respect by the extremely swift acceptance of the Eagle of Jan Karskiego, which is being presented today by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. All this, in addition to satisfaction, also fills us with pride that Jan Karski is seen as the patron of these

[11:42:29] Speaker 2 [PL]
the human values that we so desperately need, yet still lack. In conclusion, allow me, distinguished Members gathered here, to end with the shortest possible overview of the award, with a simple conclusion. We believe that the Jan Karski Society, which administers it, established shortly after the death of our patron, mainly by people who were his companions during his lifetime, as well as the Board of the Jan Karski Eagle Award, will remain faithful to the work and thought of Professor Karski. International opinions that the Eagles are one of the most important awards coming out of Poland should be accepted with pride, as a review of the work of preserving the memory of a great man who created the award and charted the path for the Eagles. Thank you very much.

[11:43:30] Speaker 1 [PL]
Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to call on Mr Andrzej Poczobut. Honorary member of the Jan Karski Society, to deliver the award laudation of the European Parliament prepared by Waldemar Piasecki. It will be concluded with a video recording of the final part of Jan Karski’s historic speech, "The Second Original Sin."

[11:43:54] Szanowni Państwo (Szanowna Pani Przewodnicząca) [PL]
Dear colleagues, Madam President, my friend Waldemar Piasecki, Chairman of the Jan Karski Society and his closest associate, asked me to read out this eulogy. I will do so with great pleasure. First and foremost, because for me Jan Karski is a great hero, and I hold the European Parliament in very high regard. I am extremely grateful to it for honouring me with the Andrei Sakharov Prize at a time that was exceptionally difficult for me. The Jan Karski Eagle Award to the European Parliament is awarded for the representative reunification of Europe and shaping the European reality in the name of a common, better future. With this decision, we wish to highlight Poland’s historic contribution to the construction of European integration. unity, linked to the figure of Joseph Ratzinger, who as early as 1948 organised the European Congress in The Hague with the participation of 25 states. This forum became the catalyst and inspiration for European integration, it initiated the creation of the Council of Europe and the European Movement, and in the longer term, in 1960, the establishment of the European Parliament, which the Polish visionary politician did not live to see. Jan Karski was a collaborator of Joseph Ratzinger, both during the dramatic years wartime, as well as in the post-war years, and was an enthusiast of the idea of the future of a global political order based on integrated transatlantic cooperation between the United States and the European Union. The Eagle Prize is therefore symbolically dedicated to one of the fathers of the European community, a Pole worthy of our memory. We appreciate the role of the European Parliament and its efforts to make today’s Europe a better common place to life. Fully aware of all the challenges, obstacles and risks involved in this process, with which Parliament is striving to address and in doing so deserves our full support, we bow our heads before the mission of the Polish Chair of this body, Jerzy Buzek, and wish the current Chair, Roberta Metsola, every success in her mission. Jana Karski as well.

[11:46:50] Szanowni Państwo (Szanowna Pani Przewodnicząca) [PL]
Both the Community idea of Europe and my studies in diplomacy in Lviv under the guidance of the precursor of the law of nations and their sovereignty, Professor Ludwik Ehrlich, and the tragic wartime experiences, including the Holocaust, led me to this. He based his vision of a united Europe on a deep conviction that lasting peace on the continent which can only be built by renouncing the 17th-century concept of sovereignty, according to which States could do whatever they pleased based on national egoisms. which often lead to conflicts, wars, and the tragic consequences of genocidal crimes. The Holocaust revealed the extreme danger posed by uncontrolled, absolute sovereignty, as the German state of that time simply granted itself the sovereignty of annihilating another nation. Moreover, it considered that this sovereignty would also serve as a shield protecting Germany from accountability.

[11:48:06] Speaker 1 [PL]
That did not happen. It simultaneously became clear that the concept and practice of sovereignty must be redefined; sovereignty must cease to be a licence for impunity, while the guarantee of security is European integration based on Community structures and the relinquishment by Member States of a negotiated portion of their sovereignty. Of course, it was not 31-year-old Jan Karski, who was finishing the war, who was the author of these concepts. He considered Winston Churchill to be the main architect of this idea, the father of the United States of Europe, but he certainly saw himself as a follower of this idea, as its high priest. He proved this through his entire brilliant academic career at the Department of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Washington, as well as his public activities. Karski repeatedly emphasised that a united Europe must have a strong, lasting, moral foundation for unity. It cannot be merely an economic, trading and market union. whether it is a centrally managed technocratic political project It must above all be a community of spiritual and moral values, based on absolute respect for human rights, the dignity of the individual and the protection of minorities. Voluntarism, sovereigntist voluntarism, cannot in any way threaten these fundamental values. He also drew attention to the need for equality and the absence of hierarchy, firmly opposing the division of nations into dominant and subordinate. In his famous lecture upon receiving the title of doctor honoris causa at the University of in his native Łódź in 1996 he delivered these fundamental words: "There are no better or worse nations. Nations want to live and prosper in peace. It is their governments that start wars." He added that unfortunately nations sometimes also have to be defended against their own governments. Responsible action by the European Union’s structures should take this into account. The European Community should also feel a sense of responsibility for the fate of the entire continent. And also of those states and nations that are not formally associated with it, but

[11:50:47] Speaker 1 [PL]
are under threat. As a long-standing lecturer of the course 'Theories and Practice of Communism in the Soviet Union' at Georgetown University, which has been breaking popularity records among students – among its graduates was Bill Clinton – Karski precisely pointed out source of the European threat. For him, this was always Moscow. He did not believe in the durability of the changes initiated by Gorbachev's perestroika. Not because he did not believe in his intentions, but because he did not believe that the internal imperial logic of the system could allow Gorbachev’s experiment to succeed. Unfortunately, we can easily see how right Karski was in turning his gaze today to Ukraine, which Vladimir Putin is trying to subjugate. All the elements of Jan Karski’s European community vision are clearly evident in the activities of the European Parliament. His greatest success since its establishment as a representative forum of the opinions of the Member States has been its institutional evolution from a purely advisory body into powerful co-legislative institution that, on an equal footing with the Council of the European Union, shapes EU law and transforms Europe into a better place to live for its 450 million citizens. Of course, this is not an easy process. It is marked by many difficulties and also failures. Also in the daily struggle with external challenges and threats, with a determined stance against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and with concern for securing the entire continent against the Russian threat. Overcoming centrifugal tendencies that are trying to undermine institutional cohesion structural cohesion of the Community. Countering the wave of nationalism and chauvinism sweeping across Europe. And with the growing attempts to undermine the transatlantic alliance between Europe and the United States. Let us wish the European Parliament never to rest in the face of these challenges and forces, and may it always have the strength to meet them. The first President of the European Parliament, Simone Veil, prisoner number 78651, survived Auschwitz and forged

[11:53:29] Speaker 1 [PL]
her suffering to good use. Her life reminds us that neutrality only aids evil, never good. The European Parliament should steadfastly uphold such a moral stance and always serve the good. That is the purpose of this award: to link a personal fate, a lifetime’s work and the message of its patron with the ideals that the European Parliament aspires to serve today. I call on Ms Roberta Metsola, President, to accept it. I would like to conclude the project with a screening of the film "Speeches of Jan Karski", which has gone down in history as the second original sin. It spoke about what ends with a failure to react to evil. And a comfortable stance. I believe that this will never be the stance of the European Parliament. Waldemar Piasecki.

[11:54:28] Speaker 2 [PL]
Thank you very much.

[11:54:40] Speaker 3 [EN]
The second original sin had been committed by humanity. Through commission or omission, or self-imposed ignorance, or insensitivity, or self-interest, or hypocrisy, or heartless rationalization, this sin will haunt humanity to the end of time. It does haunt me, and I want it to be so.

[11:55:23] Speaker 1 [PL]
Ladies and Gentlemen, at this moment we have reached the climax of our ceremony. Ladies and Gentlemen, may I now introduce and invite the individuals who will be presenting the award attributes. I now invite Mr Andrzej Seweryn, an honorary member of the Jan Karski Society, who will present the statue – the Karski Eagle. I now invite Mr Andrzej Poczobut, also an honorary member of the Jan Karski Society, who will present the diploma, and I invite Jerzy Kozierecki, the great-nephew of our hero, who will present a photograph. And I invite onto the stage Ms President Roberta Metsola.

[11:56:15] Speaker 2 [PL]
A diploma to Mr Andrzej.

[11:57:04] Speaker 1 [PL]
Thank you very much. And I would ask the President to give her acceptance speech.

[11:57:23] Speaker 4 [EN]
Thank you very much, dziękuję. Colleagues, ambassadors, ladies and gentlemen, it is such an honor to accept the Jan Karski Eagle Award on behalf of the European Parliament. I am humbled to be part of such a prestigious list of laureates. On behalf of all my colleagues in the European Parliament, dziękuję bardzo. Few countries have done so much to build Europe as Poland, and her brave sons and daughters. Europe will never forget their sacrifices, and it is fitting that we celebrate European democracy here, in this beautiful city. We will live up to the responsibility that you bestow on us today. Yesterday I had the honor of laying a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier. Reflecting on all those who gave their lives for freedom, and all those you rep lost. And in that moment I thought of Jan Karski, and what he must have carried. He was a life of unsurpassed courage, and morality. A patriot devoted to the independence of Poland, and the soul of Europe who stood up to evil and brandished the light of truth. Jan Karski understood that for courage and goodness to triumph over fear and tyranny, we have to stand up before our values and for each other especially when it is the hardest. Because that is when it matters most. And in these challenging times his words ring through. The commitment, the common humanity of people, not the power of governments. Is the only real protector of human rights. It is a mission that Jan Karski's contemporary, Josef Rettinger, put into action just years after the war ended by helping to found the Council of Europe, the first of many European bodies that now form a constellation. Today the European Parliament proudly carries forward Jan Karski and Josef Rettinger's vision of a Europe that is founded on peace and democracy. We are building a community of values where freedom, dignity, and solidarity are championed. Where peoples' lives, from Porto to Poznań, are imported and improved thanks to their members of the European Parliament. Who work tirelessly in partnership with national parliaments such as

[12:00:30] Speaker 4 [EN]
the same and the Senate, to connect Europeans to Europe. I am privileged to work alongside so many incredible Polish colleagues, and I am constantly impressed by their ability to get things done even when it seems impossible. Together we are realizing the dream of voiceless generations who longed for a Europe where everyone's voice is heard and can shape our future. And right now, here in Jan Karski's homeland, I promise you this: we will continue working, fearlessly, and relentlessly to make that European dream a reality for people throughout our Union. Because as Professor Karski taught us, witnessing is not enough. We must stand up for what is right. We made that same promise to you, dear Andrzej. For five long years, you were imprisoned, for speaking out against oppression. Last year our house awarded you the Saharov Prize for freedom of thought, while you were still behind bars. This year all of Europe rejoiced when you crossed the Polish border into freedom. And it was such a privilege to welcome you to our Parliament as a free man, shortly afterwards, you remind us that not even prison walls can silence the truth. Your courage carries forward Jan Karski's legacy and challenges us to keep standing up for our democratic future. Yesterday I discussed that future with students and the Warsaw School of Economics, it was inspiring to hear their dreams and ideas for our continent. These young people never had to live through the horrors that Professor Karski witnessed. They can enjoy the freedom to travel without borders, to build without limits, to fall and know they are supported. That is what Europe can deliver, and what we must protect. Their generation will write Europe's next chapter. That is why it is up to us to make sure that they can succeed here at home, and that is why we are simplifying legislation and connecting markets so people can innovate. And businesses can flourish on our continent. We have the talent, the ideas, and the resources and Poland is proving it every single day.

[12:03:23] Speaker 4 [EN]
This is no surprise. You cannot speak of Europe without speaking of Poland. In 1989 Solidarność lit the torch of democracy behind the Iron Curtain. In 2004 when Poland joined the European family we finally answered Pope John Paul II's call, made in our house, for Europe to breathe with both lungs. In our Parliament intellectuals like Bronisław Geremek reshaped how Europe thinks of itself. And my predecessor, Professor Jerzy Buzek, became the first member from a post-Soviet country to lead our Parliament. Now, as Russia's illegal war in Ukraine continues to threaten our eastern flank, Poland is once again leading the defense of our way of life. Europe stands with you, together we must continue to support Ukraine. In its fight for freedom and democracy. Against Russian aggression. More than 80 years ago Jan Karski risked his life for that same freedom here in Poland. He also warned the world of the Holocaust. The darkest consequence of antisemitism. Tragically just as our freedom is again under threat, so too is the evil of antisemitism rising once more. This time we must answer it with decisive action, and I repeat the commitment I made at last year's ceremony honoring Yad Vashem, the European Parliament will never give up the fight against this ancient evil. And it is growing. On our streets, on our campuses, and online. Our determination to beat it must match the scale of the challenge, and the European Parliament will always be at the forefront of that fight. Last month our Parliament welcomed Omri, who spent 738 days as a hostage of the terrorist group Hamas after October 7th. We cannot look away from such horror. Our Union was built on the ashes of the Holocaust. And in the name of Jan Karski and every victim of those monstrous years, we must keep speaking up, because to be antisemitic is to be anti-European. And it can never be accepted. We will never accept it. I am President of the House, as you Andrzej said, that was once led by Simon Weil, herself a survivor of Auschwitz, so our commitment is personal, as much as it is institutional.

[12:06:30] Speaker 4 [EN]
So you can rely on the European Parliament to keep speaking up for truth, for justice, and for democracy. Bringing people together to create a common European reality. And a better future for everyone. It is a mission that I know Jan Karski would be proud of, and that is why this award means so much, and we will carry it forward in his spirit.

[12:06:58] Speaker 4 [PL]
Thank you.

[12:20:21] Speaker 1 [EN]
Ladies and gentlemen, dear media representatives, welcome to the press conference on the joint conclusions of the Justice Minister session held as part of the EU-Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs here in Budva. Today's press conference will feature statements by the Minister of Justice of Montenegro, Bojan Božović, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration of Ireland, Jimo Callaghan, and European Commissioner for Justice, Michael McGrath.

[12:20:53] Speaker 2 [HR]
Ladies and gentlemen, dear media representatives, welcome to the press conference on the joint conclusions of the meeting of justice ministers held as part of the EU-Western Balkans Summit, namely the Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial Forum. At today's press conference, we will hear statements from the Minister of Justice of Montenegro, Mr Bojan Božović, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform of Ireland, Mr Jim Callaghan, and the European Commissioner for Justice, Mr Michael McGrath.

[12:21:28] Speaker 1 [EN]
Following their opening remarks, the floor will be open for your questions.

[12:21:32] Speaker 2 [HR]
After their opening statements, we will open the floor for questions.

[12:21:37] Speaker 1 [EN]
And now let's start. Minister Božović, please. The floor is yours.