Statement by Henri Malosse, President of the EESC, on Russia

I join Federica Mogherini i in expressing the concerns of the members of the EESC about the new law passed in Russia which restricts freedom of association and movement.

This law comes in addition to a multitude of pressures that in recent years have affected to a great extend organisations that are working in the fields of the environment and human rights. In general, we are very concerned about the worldwide increase of measures that restrict freedom of association. In some countries this freedom is completely suppressed. We must remember that democracy is not a matter of geographical latitude or standards of living. Democracy is a fundamental human right that is unconditional.

Henri MALOSSE