The Meeting of the Parliamentary Committee of the Central European Initiative (CEI) Parliamentary Dimension was held in Belgrade on 20-21 May 2025, under the Serbian CEI Presidency, bringing together parliamentary delegations from CEI Member States under the theme “Partnership within the framework of the Central European Initiative: Support to European Union Enlargement.’’
Focusing on the role of CEI parliaments in fostering democratic reforms, enhancing political dialogue, and supporting the EU enlargement process, the opening session was moderated by Asst. Prof. MD Darko Laketić, Head of the Serbian Delegation to the CEI Parliamentary Dimension, and featured interventions from Ana Brnabić, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, CEI Secretary General Hon. Franco Dal Mas, and Nemanja Starović, Minister of European Integration.
In his opening remarks, Dal Mas emphasised the value of parliamentary-governmental cooperation within the CEI framework, stating:
“Today’s meeting offers the opportunity to reaffirm the importance of cooperation among and with the Parliaments of CEI countries. Such collaboration remains a cornerstone of our Organisation, highly contributing to the achievement of our mission: promoting European integration and sustainable development through regional cooperation.”
He also underscored that EU enlargement remained a political priority for regional security and stability, and highlighted ongoing CEI initiatives in support of the Western Balkan countries, including initiatives promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to combat corruption and organised crime, and by the Italian Parliament to strengthen the legislative capacities of institutions in the region. The latter is part of the Know-how Exchange Programme, funded by the CEI Fund at the EBRD.
Minister Starović underlined that the EU represented a natural space for the economic, social, political and cultural development of all the countries in Central Europe, emphasising that accession to the EU was Serbia's foreign policy priority, and that it advocated for the EU membership of the entire Western Balkans region.
Earlier on the same day, a separate Meeting of the Chairpersons of Foreign Affairs Committees of CEI Parliamentary Dimension Member States was held, chaired by Marina Raguš , Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee. The meeting also focused on the CEI’s role in supporting EU enlargement and included the presentation and discussion of a Draft Joint Statement aimed at consolidating shared regional positions.
The meetings provided an opportunity to for delegates to reiterate their shared commitment to strengthening parliamentary cooperation within the CEI and contributing to a stable, prosperous, and more integrated Europe.
For more info: fabro@cei.int
