Stevanović na Evropski konferenci predsednikov parlamentov poudaril pomen parlamentarne diplomacije

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.