The Parliamentary Assembly of the CEI Parliamentary Dimension convened in Bucharest on 3-4 November 2026, under the Romania’s CEI Presidency. The meeting gathered parliamentarians from across CEI Member States to address key regional priorities, focusing in particular on advancing the European integration of candidate countries and strengthening economic cooperation. Both were highlighted as essential drivers of shared prosperity, sustainable development and stronger regional ties.
Discussions also underscored the importance of strengthening regional cooperation to improve infrastructure connectivity and foster new business and employment opportunities, particularly through the active involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Particular emphasis was also placed on promoting cultural and educational integration, with a view to strengthening ties and fostering a shared sense of belonging among younger generations.
The opening session featured addresses by Rozália-Ibolya Biró, President of the CEI Parliamentary Dimension, by Clara Staicu, State Secretary for European Affairs, and by Deputy Secretary General, Ivana Pejović. Ms. Roxana Mînzatu, European Commission Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, intervened with a video message.
In her speech, DSG Pejović stressed the strategic importance of closer cooperation in an increasingly complex international landscape, stating:
“At a time of profound geopolitical and economic change, strengthening our cooperation is not simply an option — it is a strategic imperative. Our ability to address common challenges depends on our commitment to working together, sharing responsibilities and pursuing shared objectives.”
The meeting reaffirmed the central role of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering political dialogue, strengthening mutual understanding and trust among CEI Member States, and promoting a coordinated approach to shared regional challenges. It also underscored the importance of sustained interparliamentary engagement in turning common priorities into concrete initiatives and tangible results, thereby supporting regional stability, closer cooperation and further progress towards European integration.
The Parliamentary Assembly meeting was held back-to-back with the three General Committees of the CEI Parliamentary Dimension, addressing key issues including national policies to support entrepreneurship (Political and Home Affairs), hybrid threats to electoral systems and the role of the diaspora (Economic Affairs), and the revitalisation of post-industrial areas in Central Europe (Cultural Affairs). On that occasion the Chairs and Deputy Chairs were elected:
- Political Affairs: Ms. Rozália-Ibolya BIRÓ (Romania) - Chair; Mr. Francesco GIACOBBE (Italy) - Deputy Chair
- Economic Affairs: Mr. Salvatore CAIATA (Italy) - Chair; Ms. Isabella DE MONTE (Italy) - Deputy Chair
- Cultural Affairs: Ms. Rashela MIZRAHI (North Macedonia) - Chair; Mr. Vladimir RAKOV (Bulgaria) - Deputy Chair
For more info: fabro@cei.int
