With the vice-president of the Commission Margaret Ropesstarted his meetings at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, o Fredis Beleris, shortly before he officially assumed his duties in plenary. The meeting took place in an emotionally charged atmosphere, as Margaritis Schinas was in direct contact with Fredis Beleris throughout his imprisonment and had a crucial role both with his public interventions and with behind-the-scenes contacts at the highest level.

The two men discussed the priorities of the new political cycle and the importance of rights and freedoms as a component of the pre-accession process for all candidate countries. “Europe equals freedom” wrote on platform X the vice-president of the Commission, after the meeting. In particular, Margaritis Schinas noted:

“It was with special joy and emotion that I welcomed Fredis Beleris to Strasbourg shortly before he officially assumed his duties. We discussed the priorities of the new political cycle and the importance of the rule of law in all candidate countries. Europe equals freedom».