Stevanović stressed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy at the European Conference of Parliamentary Speakers
On October 16, 2026, Zoran Stevanović, President of the National Assembly of Slovenia, attended a two-day European Conference of Presidents of Parliaments in Rome. The event was organized jointly by the Italian Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). During the conference, Stevanović emphasized the necessity of reforming the international order based on rules and highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in international decision-making processes. He stressed the need for a more effective, inclusive, and democratically legitimate multilateralism. Stevanović also met with colleagues from Croatia, Hungary, and Ukraine, discussing topics such as threats to democracy, challenges posed by artificial intelligence, and ways parliaments can contribute to restoring the rules-based international order. The conference aimed to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation and ensure equal application of international law for all countries.
Zoran Stevanović, president of Slovenia's National Assembly, emphasized the need for reforming the international order during the European Conference of Presidents of Parliaments held in Rome. He highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in international decision-making processes. The two-day conference took place in Rome on Thursday and Friday, organized jointly by Italy’s parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). More than ten presidents and vice-presidents of parliaments attended, including Stevanović. Key topics discussed at the summit included threats to democracy, challenges posed by artificial intelligence, and how parliaments can contribute to restoring a rules-based international order. During the final session of three panels scheduled for today, participants stressed the role of parliamentary diplomacy in responding to international crises, early warnings, strengthening dialogue and trust, and efforts toward peace and respect for international law. The National Assembly stated that there is a need for a more effective, inclusive, and democratically legitimate multilateralism. Stevanović noted that the renewal of the rules-based international order is essential for its preservation and adaptation to modern challenges. He warned that double standards undermine the credibility of the international legal system, emphasizing that renewal must link respect for international law, legitimate national interests, and democratic accountability of parliaments. Equal rules must apply to all countries, even the most powerful, according to the National Assembly statement. Stevanović also underscored the significance of parliamentary diplomacy as a complement to traditional diplomacy and called for greater involvement of parliaments in international decision-making processes, increased transparency of international institutions, and better representation of states while respecting their sovereignty. On the sidelines of the conference, Stevanović met with colleagues from Croatia, Ukraine, and Hungary. He had bilateral meetings with Croatian Parliament President Gordan Jandroković, Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada President Ruslan Stefančuk, and Hungarian Parliament President Agnes Forsthoffer. They emphasized the importance of strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation. The first conference of presidents of parliaments of Council of Europe member states was held in 1975. Since then, it has taken place every two years, alternating between Strasbourg and the capital of a Council of Europe member state. General Secretary of the National Assembly Špela Ocvirk participated in a meeting of general secretaries of parliaments of Council of Europe member states during the conference.
On October 16, 2026, Zoran Stevanović, President of the National Assembly of Slovenia, attended a two-day European Conference of Presidents of Parliaments in Rome. The event was organized jointly by the Italian Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). During the conference, Stevanović emphasized the necessity of reforming the international order based on rules and highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in international decision-making processes. He stressed the need for a more effective, inclusive, and democratically legitimate multilateralism. Stevanović also met with colleagues from Croatia, Hungary, and Ukraine, discussing topics such as threats to democracy, challenges posed by artificial intelligence, and ways parliaments can contribute to restoring the rules-based international order. The conference aimed to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation and ensure equal application of international law for all countries.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of the conference and Stevanović's statements without apparent ideological framing. It reports on diplomatic discussions and emphasizes multilateralism and international law without showing clear bias toward any political ideology.
President of the National Assembly Zoran Stevanović attended a two-day European conference of parliamentary presidents in Rome, emphasizing the urgent need to reform the international order based on rules. He highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in international decision-making processes and participated in several bilateral meetings, including with colleagues from Croatia, Hungary, and Ukraine. The conference focused on threats to democracy, challenges posed by artificial intelligence, and ways parliaments can contribute to restoring a rules-based international order. Participants stressed the need for more effective, inclusive, and democratically legitimate multilateralism, ensuring equal application of rules for all countries, including the most powerful. Stevanović also emphasized the role of parliamentary diplomacy as a complement to traditional diplomacy and called for greater parliamentary involvement in international decision-making.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced overview of the conference and Stevanović's remarks without overtly favoring any particular political stance. It focuses on diplomatic discussions and calls for multilateral cooperation, which are generally non-partisan topics. There is no evident bias in the language
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