XX Conference of Presidents/Speakers of Parliaments of the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative - Skopje, 23–24 April 2026
The XX Conference of Presidents and Speakers of Parliaments of the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative took place in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia, on 23-24 April 2026, under the chairmanship of the President of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, Mr. Afrim Gashi. Held in a context marked by evolving geopolitical challenges and renewed pressures on multilateralism, the Conference reaffirmed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy as a key instrument to strengthen regional dialogue, stability and cooperation, while advancing the European integration of the Adriatic-Ionian region.
The event brought together high-level parliamentary representatives from AII participating countries, including Mr. Kemal Ademović, Speaker of the House of Peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Mr. Andro Krstulović Opara, Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Croatian Parliament; Mr. Gian Marco Centinaio, Vice President of the Senate of the Italian Republic; Mr. Nikolla Camaj, Vice-President of the Parliament of Montenegro; Mr. Afrim Gashi, President of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia; Ms. Marinella L. Chiaruzzi and Mr. Giovanni Maria Zonzini, Members of the Great and General Council of the Republic of San Marino; and Ms. Nevena Đurić, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, alongside diplomatic representatives from Albania, Greece and Slovenia. The Secretary General of the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative, Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta, also took part in the Conference.
In his opening address, Mr. Afrim Gashi underlined that, for North Macedonia, participation in regional cooperation frameworks such as the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative represents a strategic asset for advancing EU integration, recalling the principles set out in the Ancona Declaration. He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to European values despite persistent challenges along its accession path and highlighted the need to further strengthen parliamentary diplomacy as a means to foster dialogue and political trust. The full text of his speech is available here:
https://www.sobranie.mk/ns-newsarticle-welcome-address-of-president-afrim-gashi-at-the-xx-conference-of-presidentsspeakers-of-parliaments-of-the-adriatic-ionian-initiative.nspx
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Mr. Zoran Dimitrovski stressed the continuity of the Initiative’s guiding principles and the central role of parliaments in promoting regional cooperation, noting the symbolic importance of the current chairmanship, which coincides with key milestones including the 25th anniversary of the Ancona Declaration.
Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta highlighted that the Conference represents one of the key pillars of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, emphasizing the importance of its parliamentary dimension. In a phase where multilateralism is under strain, he noted, regional cooperation becomes more crucial than ever. He underlined the need to build bridges between EU Member States and candidate countries and recalled the dual role of the Initiative: promoting EU enlargement and strengthening dialogue among institutions, territories, and societies. He also pointed to key priorities for advancing integration, including overcoming decision-making constraints within the EU, enhancing flexibility, and reinforcing regional cooperation as a driver for reforms, stressing that the Western Balkans must not be left behind.
The Conference was structured around two main sessions. The first session, entitled “Promoting Peace and Stability Through Parliamentary Diplomacy” and chaired by Mr. Afrim Gashi, featured keynote speeches by H.E. Ms. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, President of the Republic of North Macedonia; Mr. Rizvan Sulejmani, Associate Professor, former Minister and former Member of Parliament; and Ms. Dragana Bojkovska, Member of Parliament and President of the Club of Youth Affairs and Policies.
In her keynote address, President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova offered a broader reflection on the role of parliamentary democracy in times of global uncertainty, stressing that parliaments, by virtue of their pluralistic composition and direct democratic legitimacy, represent essential arenas for dialogue, accountability and political balance. She highlighted that parliamentary diplomacy can play an irreplaceable role in building, maintaining and safeguarding peace, particularly in a context where traditional multilateral frameworks are increasingly under pressure.
She also called for a renewed strategic vision within the European Union, advocating for bold institutional reforms and a more credible and dynamic enlargement policy. In this regard, she emphasized that the Western Balkans should be fully integrated into the European political space, warning against the risks of prolonged uncertainty and “grey zones” in the region. Recalling the historical significance of previous enlargement waves, she urged the EU to take a decisive step forward to overcome divisions and reaffirm its role as a peace project, while also noting the need to address internal democratic imbalances within the Union itself.
The second session, “Strengthening Regional Connectivity: Corridors VIII and X and the Role of Parliaments”, also chaired by Mr. Afrim Gashi, focused on infrastructure development as a key driver of economic growth and regional integration. Keynote contributions were delivered by Mr. Aleksandar Nikoloski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications; Mr. Abdylmenaf Bexheti, Academician, former Minister and former Member of Parliament; and Mr. Branko Azeski, President of the Economic Chamber.
In his intervention, Mr. Aleksandar Nikoloski presented the Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise transport infrastructure and strengthen regional connectivity, highlighting major investments in strategic corridors, including the development of railway and highway networks along Corridors VIII and X. He underlined that improving transport links is a key priority not only for facilitating trade and mobility, but also for boosting economic growth and enhancing regional integration. He stressed that the construction of modern, efficient and interoperable infrastructure represents a fundamental prerequisite for aligning with European standards and ensuring the long-term competitiveness of the region, summarizing this vision with the message that stronger connectivity translates into a stronger economy.
The debate underlined the strategic importance of transport corridors VIII and X for enhancing connectivity across Southeast Europe and facilitating integration with the EU internal market. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of parliaments in supporting legislative alignment, ensuring effective oversight of infrastructure investments, and promoting coordinated regional action to reduce development gaps between EU and non-EU countries.
Throughout the Conference, a strong and shared commitment emerged to reinforce dialogue, trust and cooperation among parliaments as a fundamental condition for ensuring regional stability and advancing the European path of the Western Balkans. Participants reiterated their support for the EU enlargement process, the importance of enhancing regional ownership and cooperation, and the need to promote sustainable development, digital transformation, and youth engagement as key pillars for the future of the Adriatic-Ionian region.
The Conference concluded with the unanimous adoption of a Joint Statement, reaffirming the commitment of participating countries to strengthening peace and good neighbourly relations through parliamentary diplomacy, supporting EU enlargement and alignment with European values, enhancing regional connectivity, particularly through Corridors VIII and X, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. Participants expressed their appreciation to the Republic of North Macedonia for its successful chairmanship and welcomed Italy as the next presiding country of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative.