The meeting of the Parliamentary Committee of the Central European Initiative Parliamentary Dimension began the active phase of the Republic of Serbia’s chairmanship of the organisation in 2025.
The Head of delegation to the Central European Initiative Parliamentary Dimension Darko Laketic expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity for the National Assembly to host the representatives of the parliaments of CEI member states at a time when regional cooperation and support for the European integration process are gaining new traction.
“The topic to which today’s meeting is dedicated, partnership within the framework of the Central European Initiative and support to European Union enlargement, is current, strategic and, most importantly, common. Today, when we talk about the EU enlargement process, we are talking about a strategic decision on which the long-term stability, security and prosperity of our continent depend,” said Laketic.
On behalf of the host, the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabic, addressed the attendees, emphasising that Serbia's chairing the meeting of the CEI Parliamentary Committee is an expression of its firm commitment to European integration, as well as proof of its readiness to advance regional cooperation for the benefit of all the citizens living in this region.
"In recent years, we have shown that we know how to talk, to initiate dialogue even when it seems impossible, and to respect diversity as a prerequisite for lasting stability," stress the National Assembly Speaker.
Minister of European Integration Nemanja Starovic said that Central Europe is not only a geographical region, but also a mental concept, and that we are united by a mentality, adding that the people of Serbia have inherited not only their Balkan, but also their Central European identity and are proud of it.
"The EU represents a natural space for the economic, social, political and cultural development of all the countries in Central Europe," Starovic said, emphasising that accession to the EU is Serbia's foreign policy priority, as well as that it advocates for the membership of the entire Western Balkans region in the EU.
Central European Initiative Secretary General Franco Dal Mas affirmed the importance of cooperation among the parliaments of the Central European Initiative member states in promoting European integration and sustainable development. He emphasized that EU enlargement is at the top of the organisation's agenda, stating that it is not only an economic issue, but also a question of security and stability in the region.
