"By ignoring the demonstrators in Egypt, Europe risks the emergence of an Islamist dictatorship", said Elmar Brok, EPP Group joint Coordinator on the Committee on Foreign Affairs at the Herzliya Conference in Israel. "When we disappoint the protesters standing up for freedom and social justice, we cannot be surprised if it ends up in a new Islamic dictatorship fighting against Europe and Israel," Mr Brok said in his speech at the Forum opened by the President of Israel, Shimon Peres.

"Those making parallels to Europe in 1989 may actually see what happened in 1979 in Iran," the German MEP said. Mr Brok criticised the lack of decision-making powers of the EU and the actions of some Member States. The "EU's instrument for the promotion of democracy and human rights" which is used to promote the democratic development of civil societies in dictatorships, can provide €130 million each year.

"A democratic and constitutional development is only possible if the liberalist opposition groups organise themselves better and progressively develop. We have to offer our support to foundations and the other institutions," Elmar Brok urged.

(translation from the original German)

For further information:

Elmar BROK MEP, Tel: +32-2-2845323

Lasse Böhm, EPP Group Press and Communications Service, Tel: +32-484-656897

Notes to Editors:

The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 265 Members.