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President of the Baltic Assembly Andrius Kupčinskas on 21 and 22 October participated in the European Conference of the Presidents of Parliament. He urged parliaments to work together to step back on the path to security and stability in Europe.
Andrius Kupčinskas said that nowadays Europe faces anti-democratic sentiments and attempts to divide Europe. “The Baltic states highly value and actively defend human rights, democracy and rule of law. For this reason, the Baltic states and the Baltic Assembly have been vocal and active in supporting the civil society in Belarus. Currently, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland are being punished for these actions as the regime of Alexander Lukashenko carries out hybrid attacks in the border areas with Belarus. The security of our countries and Europe is tested with crowds of illegal migrants. These actions prove that this regime is out of control, it does not respect the international community and is ready to use other people’s lives to maintain power, and this cannot be tolerated. I want to stress that the Baltic states are solid and will not be intimidated into silence. We will continue to show full support for the people of Belarus in their struggle for a legitimate leader of their country.”
President highlighted that the future of the European citizens will be defined by the ability of the countries to deal with the challenges posed by COVID-19, climate change, the spread of disinformation, anti-democratic sentiments and attempts to divide Europe. The European parliaments play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges; however, the capability of fighting for a safe, prosperous and democratic Europe for the citizens will depend on the ability to cooperate internationally to address challenges posed by COVID-19, climate change, spread of disinformation and others.
During the conference Presidents of Parliament from the 47 Council of Europe member states, as well as many neighbouring and observer countries and other partner parliamentary assemblies discussed such topics as "Democracies facing the Covid-19 public health crisis: sharing experiences", "'#EnvironmentRightNow': national parliaments and the right to a healthy and sustainable environment" and "The common future of all European citizens".
The first conference was held in 1975. It takes place every two years, hosted alternately in Strasbourg or in the capital of a Council of Europe member state. At the invitation of the Hellenic Parliament, it is held this year in Athens, when the country celebrates the bicentennial of its independence.
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