Wednesday, October 1, 2025
EN FR DE IT AR ES AL
HomeIran News NowIran Opposition & ResistanceEuropean Parliament Hosts NCRI President-elect; MEPs and Dignitaries Call for Firm Policy...
Iran Opposition & ResistanceLatest News & Activities of Iran Protest Leader Maryam RajaviGlobal Support statements 2025

European Parliament Hosts NCRI President-elect; MEPs and Dignitaries Call for Firm Policy on Iran

Written by Shamsi Saadati
Maryam Rajavi is giving a speech in the EU Parliament on June 18, 2025.
Maryam Rajavi is giving a speech in the EU Parliament on June 18, 2025.

Strasbourg, France – On June 18, 2025, the European Parliament hosted a major conference to address the escalating crisis emanating from Iran. At a moment described by speakers as “critical” and “existential,” a diverse, cross-party assembly of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), former prime ministers, and esteemed legal experts gathered to hear from Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). The event focused on the failures of past international policies toward Tehran and underscored the necessity of supporting the Iranian people’s struggle for a secular, democratic republic, presenting a viable path forward for a nation long suppressed by dictatorship.

Maryam Rajavi Outlines a Vision for a Democratic Future

In her keynote address, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi presented a stark assessment of the situation, framing the ongoing turmoil as the culmination of a “44-year war” waged by the theocratic regime against its own people. She highlighted the regime’s escalating wave of mass executions and its relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons as desperate measures to ensure its survival.

Rejecting both appeasement of the mullahs and foreign military intervention, Mrs. Rajavi championed the “Third Option”—democratic change brought about by the Iranian people and their organized Resistance. “The only solution to this conflict is the overthrow of this regime by the people of Iran and the Iranian Resistance,” she asserted. She outlined the NCRI’s comprehensive Ten-Point Plan for a future Iran, emphasizing a transitional government that would organize free elections for a constituent assembly, and reaffirmed the movement’s ultimate objective. “Our goal is not to seize power at any cost. Our goal is to guarantee freedom, democracy, and the Iranian people’s free choice—no matter the cost.”

European Leaders and Dignitaries Voice Strong Support for Democratic Change

A wide array of political figures and experts from across Europe and the political spectrum took the floor to express their solidarity with the Iranian Resistance and call for a fundamental shift in European policy toward Iran.

Guy Verhofstadt, former Prime Minister of Belgium, delivered a powerful critique of Western policy, declaring it a “failure of appeasement.” He argued that the current conflict is not between Israel and the Iranian people, but a war against a “criminal mullahs’ regime.” Verhofstadt outlined a new four-point strategy for the EU: formally designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization; imposing comprehensive political and financial sanctions on all individuals involved in the regime’s oppressive apparatus; preparing judicial cases against regime officials for human rights abuses; and pursuing a strategy of direct engagement with the Iranian people. He stressed, “A strategy of appeasement that must be replaced by another strategy. The strategy that has to be put in place is a strategy of engagement with the Iranian people.”

Enda Kenny, former Prime Minister of Ireland, drew on historical examples of fallen dictatorships, from the Philippines to Romania, to argue that oppressive regimes are not invincible. He identified “coherence” as the essential ingredient for the success of any opposition movement and praised the Iranian Resistance for seeking to overthrow the regime “by the people of Iran.”

He spoke of the catastrophic threat of the regime’s nuclear ambitions and lauded the NCRI’s vision for a future where Iranian children can have hope. He also highlighted the importance of abolishing the death penalty, a practice the Iranian regime uses with horrific frequency. “Every country in the parliament of Europe, the European, all the states have signed up to it. It’s a horrific thing that a state would take unto itself the right to declare that they can execute by public hanging somebody in your name without your consent.”

Ryszard Czarnecki, former Vice-President of the European Parliament, speaking from his experience as a Pole who lived through dictatorship, expressed his unwavering, two-decade-long support for the NCRI. He condemned the policy of appeasement and called on Western governments to reject deals made at the expense of the Iranian people’s freedom. He identified the NCRI and Mrs. Rajavi as the sole democratic alternative to the clerical regime. He concluded with a rallying cry, “Please remember the most important word in Persian: ‘Azadi, Azadi, Azadi,’ which means freedom.”

Dominique Attias, a prominent French lawyer, gave an impassioned speech, drawing a parallel between the Iranian Resistance and the French Resistance during WWII, in which her father was labeled a “terrorist” for fighting for freedom. She endorsed Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan as “realistic, carefully and thoughtfully considered,” and as a reflection of core European values. Attias dismissed the notion that the regime’s fall would lead to chaos, pointing to the organized nature of the resistance. She also vehemently rejected the idea of a return to monarchy, stating, “The rejection of dictatorships: neither Shah, nor mullah. After almost a century of struggle for freedom, Iranian men and women will not let anyone impose false alternatives on Iran.”

Antonio López‑Istúriz White, an MEP from Spain, warned that the current period is “the most dangerous moment.” He argued that the regime’s “next target is Europe” and criticized European complacency. He praised the NCRI’s democratic credentials, particularly its commitment to dissolve itself once a democratically elected assembly is in place, a rare promise in world politics. He said, “An organization says, I will dissolve immediately when democracy, you know, and the parliament and the assembly is elected. That gives reassurance.” He also paid tribute to his friend and colleague Alejo Vidal-Quadras, who survived a terrorist attack in Madrid linked to the Iranian regime.

Javier Zarzalejos, an MEP from Spain, thanked Mrs. Rajavi for providing a “clear alternative to Iranian tyranny.” He detailed how the regime is the “epicenter of regional instability,” from its nuclear extortion to its arming of proxies and its alliance with Russia. He cited the assassination attempt on Alejo Vidal-Quadras as proof that the regime sponsors terrorism in Europe. He praised the Ten-Point Plan as a “practical roadmap for rebuilding a free, secular, and democratic nation for all Iranian citizens,” and called for the EU to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization and stand openly with the democratic resistance.

Carlo Ciccioli, an Italian MEP who helped organize the event, stated his conviction that the “regime in Tehran is today the main cause of instability and conflict throughout the Middle East.” He recounted how the NCRI and PMOI have exposed the regime’s clandestine nuclear program for decades, while the West pursued a flawed policy of negotiation. He asserted that true change can only come from within, through an organized force, and identified the NCRI as that credible alternative, dismissing other “fictitious options” like the former Shah’s son. “Supporting this movement, instead, means defending democratic values and fundamental rights. I believe we owe it to them for their courage, for their tenacity, for their ability to resist.”

Francisco Assis, an MEP from Portugal, praised Mrs. Rajavi’s speech as a “beautiful tribute to democracy.” He condemned the Iranian regime as “one of the most brutal regimes of our time,” citing the shocking number of executions. He strongly endorsed the Ten-Point Plan’s universal values, such as the separation of religion and state and gender equality, stating that democracy cannot be exported but must be built from within. He recognized the crucial role of the Resistance Units on the ground, calling them a “crucial and strategic asset” for bringing about change.

Rasa Juknevičienė, an MEP from Lithuania, drew on her country’s experience of overcoming Soviet dictatorship to express her confidence in the Iranian people’s struggle. She declared that the “axis of evil must be defeated,” placing the Iranian regime in it as a global sponsor of terrorism. She dismissed the notion that dictatorships are permanent, stating, “Many argued that we could never gain our freedom and independence, but we never lost hope. We fought, and the dictatorship crumbled.”

Petras Auštrevičius, an MEP from Lithuania, welcomed Mrs. Rajavi back to the Parliament and commended her for actively shaping events in Iran. He thanked the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) for exposing the regime’s nuclear program, for which they “paid a very dear price.” He affirmed the Ten-Point Plan as a “very concrete, real, and a good solution” and reminded the audience that the Iranian Resistance has backed its words with deeds. “You have a very strong historical argument to be a part of this change in Iran and to be part of the new society which I am sure will emerge in Iran.”

Reinis Pozņaks, an MEP from Latvia, shared his country’s experience living under Soviet tyranny and expressed his solidarity with the Iranian people. He endorsed Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan as a “credible and inspiring path forward” that transcends political ideology. He specifically voiced his support for the PMOI’s Resistance Units inside Iran, stating, “These brave individuals have played a key role in organizing and expanding nationwide protests despite brutal crackdowns. The Iranian regime continues to imprison, torture, and kill… yet it cannot silence an entire people.”

Jean-Pierre Spitzer, a lawyer for the NCRI, provided a detailed legal history of the successful fight to remove the PMOI from the EU’s terrorist list. He revealed how the listing was a result of political “horse-trading” by European governments seeking to appease the Iranian regime, and how European courts ultimately found the decision to be “perverse and unreasonable.” He urged the MEPs to act without fear, recalling what he told the judges years ago: “Do not be afraid of our foreign ministries, which will always engage in horse-trading.”

Leoluca Orlando, an MEP from Italy, dismissed both the “so-called moderates” within the regime and the “neo-fascist monarchists” as false alternatives, noting that Iranians chanted “No Shah, No Mullah” during uprisings. He strongly endorsed the NCRI and Mrs. Rajavi’s 10-point plan, stating, “We must, therefore, look forward and support the National Council of Resistance of Iran [NCRI], led by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, whom we proudly welcome today.”

Nicola Procaccini, an Italian MEP and co-chair of the ECR Group, offered a message of hope, contrasting the regime’s four decades of violence with Iran’s millennia-long history as a center of culture, art, and tolerance. He expressed his hope that the current suffering could act as a “midwife to the dream of freedom for the Iranian people,” adding, “You have illuminated the entire world, and I am certain you will continue to do so again very soon.”

Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, an MEP from Spain, called for the regime to pay a “high price” for its domestic repression, regional destabilization, and nuclear program. Drawing on Spain’s successful transition from dictatorship to democracy, he emphasized the importance of a unified opposition. He urged, “It is the hour of unity, the hour of a broader platform of democratic and secular parties with your leadership and with the leadership of others who want to [join] this effort. And if you do that, you will prevail.”

Andrej Kowatschew, an MEP from Bulgaria, admired the “braveness and consistent efforts” of the Resistance. He noted that some world leaders fear chaos after a regime change and that Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan provides the necessary assurance against that. He called for unity among all democratic forces, stating, “I deeply believe that all Iranians who are for secular, free, and democratic Iran need to unite, and to be, together not to exclude, some, groups of the society if they are for free, secular, and democratic Iran.”

Pekka Toveri, an MEP from Finland, stressed that at this moment of growing momentum for change, the key question is “what comes next?” He endorsed the EU’s obligation to support Iranians’ dream of a free nation. He said, “The Iranian opposition and many people in Iran have made it clear that they want to break free from authoritarian rule. I think this is something we can and should all support in the EU.”

Isabel Benjumea, an MEP from Spain, highlighted the courage of Iran’s young people, especially girls and women challenging the regime. She pledged to pressure the European Commission for stronger sanctions and assured them of her support. “I want for them exactly the same that I want for the young people in Europe to live in freedom and in democracy. And your leadership and your fight, I’m sure it will help to deliver very, very soon.”

Mika Aaltola, an MEP from Finland, spoke of the importance of having a clear plan to allay the fears of ordinary Iranians who may worry about disorder following regime change. He praised the Resistance for providing this vision. “Let’s make the choice for Iranians easier by providing a clear path forward. But it’s not going to be easy; transitions are never easy.”

Kris Van Dijck, an MEP from Belgium, agreed with the vision for a democratic Iran. He expressed his hope for a swift change, saying, “I hope that can be true, that tomorrow, you will be in charge in Tehran and that the day after, mister Jalali and all the others can come back to Europe.”

Jussi Saramo, an MEP from Finland, voiced support from the left of the political spectrum, welcoming the cross-party consensus. He emphasized that support for the Iranian Resistance must be sincere and not part of a “geopolitical game.” He stated, “We must support democracy and the right to self-determination in every country. No other in Ukraine, in Palestine, in Iran, we have to support the democracy.”

Alberico Gambino, an MEP from Italy, spoke of the power of hearing the “plight of a people” firsthand from Mrs. Rajavi, which transcends media reports. He offered his full solidarity for the “great battle for democracy” and looked forward to a time when he could visit a liberated Iran. “The wish I want to champion today is that in the near future… we can visit Iran and Tehran as a free nation.”

Maria Teresa Vivaldini, an MEP from Italy, expressed her pleasure that the leader of a major resistance movement is a woman. She voiced her personal solidarity and that of her political group. “We will continue, as always, to stand by you and to say stop to all these executions. We have done so through several resolutions and we will continue to do so, because we want there to be democracy, peace, and human rights.”

A Unified Call for a New European Strategy

The conference at the European Parliament concluded with a clear and unified message: the international community’s decades-long policy of appeasement toward the Iranian regime has failed and must be abandoned. A powerful consensus emerged among the speakers that the theocratic dictatorship in Tehran is the root cause of domestic brutality, regional instability, and a growing global threat.

Throughout the event, there was widespread praise for the National Council of Resistance of Iran as the only viable and democratic alternative, with its comprehensive Ten-Point Plan serving as a practical and reassuring roadmap for a future free Iran. The speakers collectively rejected the false dichotomy of choosing between the current regime and a return to the past monarchy, instead embracing the “Third Option” of democratic change led by the Iranian people themselves.

The conference culminated in a series of concrete policy recommendations for the European Union. Foremost among them was the urgent call to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, to impose crippling sanctions on the regime’s officials, to hold them accountable for decades of human rights abuses and terrorism, and, most importantly, to formally recognize and support the Iranian people’s legitimate struggle for a democratic, secular republic. The event in Strasbourg was not merely a discussion; it was a resounding call to action, urging Europe to stand on the right side of history and support the dawn of a new, free Iran.

Previous article
Iran State Media Turns Aggressive Post-Ceasefire, with Kayhan Demanding Grossi’s Execution
Next article
After Battlefield Defeats, Tehran Shifts Focus to Domestic Repression and Renewed Campaign against PMOI

RELATED ARTICLES

NCRI
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.