 Distinguished guests, let me thank the Swedish presidency and international idea. Your report on the EU's external democracy action comes at a crucial time. Around the world, democracy is under attack. The EU will not stand by and watch this happen. We will guard democracy in Europe and beyond. Defend and nurture it. And we will do so united as Team Europe. Our Team Europe Democracy Initiative ensures a coordinated response to counter-rising authoritarianism in three priority areas. First, accountability and rule of law. Second, political and civic participation. And third, media and digital. We also fully support the US Summit for Democracy. Ahead of the second summit for democracy, we lead a cohort to promote youth political and civic participation. With our first-ever Youth Action Plan in external relations, the EU puts young people at the centre. To give them a voice and to engage with them in new ways. Youth are agents of change. They lead the advocating for climate change, for social justice and for human rights and accountability. Dear friends, standing up for democracy and the rule of law is standing up for those who have less power and no voice. I look forward to continuing to work with IDEA, Sweden, Member States and other democracy champions. Because together, we can advance the cause of democracy in Europe and beyond.