The Parliamentary Assembly of the CEI Parliamentary Dimension took place in Belgrade on 5 November at the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia in the framework of the Serbian CEI Presidency 2025.
Members of Parliament from CEI Member States discussed Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainable urban development, underlining the importance of establishing ethical and transparent regulatory frameworks to ensure the responsible use of emerging technologies for the benefit of citizens and local communities.
Experts from the Government of Serbia, academia and local administrations analysed the opportunities and challenges related to the adoption of AI in decision-making processes and public services.
The meeting was opened by Elvira Kovacs, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, and by CEI Secretary General, Franco Dal Mas, who highlighted:
“It is essential that governments and parliaments join forces, combine their proposals, energies and resources, to protect collective interests and address these challenges in a coordinated manner – from personal security to cybersecurity and the protection and proper use of data. We are facing a crucial challenge, which must be turned into an advantage for all of us.”
The final document adopted at the end of the meeting reaffirms the commitment to promote the ethical and responsible use of AI as a means to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. It also calls for support to research, innovation and public-private partnerships, for ensuring transparency and democratic oversight in technological development, and for strengthening interparliamentary and international cooperation to establish common ethical standards.
The discussions were carried back to back with the three General Committees of the CEI Parliamentary Dimension on Political and Home Affairs, focusing on governance and democratic oversight; on Economic Affairs, addressing innovation, competitiveness and the green transition; and on Cultural Affairs, examining the role of culture, education and knowledge exchange in inclusive digital transformation. On that occasion the Chairs and Cochairs were elected and / or confirmed:
- Ana Miljanic (Serbia) as Chair for Political Affairs
- Salvatore Caiata (Italy) as Chair for Economic Affairs
- Tomas Glogowski (Poland) as Chair and Elena Morelli (Italy) as Vice Chair for Cultural Affairs
The PA meeting confirmed the key role played by the Parliamentary Dimension, together with the Governmental Dimension, in strengthening cooperation and dialogue among the parliaments of CEI Member States and accompanying the AI-driven transformation of our cities and societies. Ensuring that this transition does not generate new inequalities will be essential.
On the occasion of his mission to Belgrade, Secretary General Dal Mas also met with the Ambassador of Italy to Serbia, Luca Gori, for an exchange on upcoming CEI engagements, notably the Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs scheduled to take place in Belgrade on 26 November.
For more info: fabro@cei.int
