House President Annita Demetriou signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Monday to formalise the Conference of the Parliaments of Small States of Europe, during the 19th Conference of Speakers of the Parliaments of Small States of Europe in Andorra.
The memorandum was signed by the participating parliaments of Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Monaco, San Marino and Cyprus.
During the first session of the conference, participants discussed the role of parliamentary diplomacy in the current European and international environment.
Demetriou said that, amid growing instability, armed conflicts and challenges to multilateral cooperation and democratic institutions, commitment to international law, the international legal order, cooperation and dialogue was not a choice but a necessity for small states.
She stressed that these principles were fundamental to their sovereignty and security, while highlighting the role of parliamentary diplomacy in building trust, creating channels of communication and promoting dialogue, particularly on issues that traditional diplomacy may not be able to address.
According to Demetriou, parliamentary diplomacy also helps build partnerships and strengthen the voice of small states’ parliaments in European and international forums, helping to address the challenges arising from their limited resources.
Cyprus presented as a bridge for dialogue
Demetriou pointed to the Cyprus House of Representatives’ parliamentary dimension of Cyprus’ presidency of the Council of the European Union as an example of the successful contribution a small parliament can make to a multilateral framework.
She said the House had supported Cyprus’ efforts to highlight the need for a more active EU role in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, an issue whose importance had been reinforced by escalating tensions in the region.
Demetriou also highlighted Cyprus’ role as a pillar of stability and a bridge for dialogue in the Eastern Mediterranean, referring to the trilateral cooperation frameworks promoted by Cyprus and Greece with countries in the region, which also extend to the interparliamentary level.
The ability of countries to exercise leadership in international relations, she said, does not depend on their size but on their vision, political will and ability to establish constructive partnerships for the benefit of their people, peace, democracy and the rule of law.
She added that parliamentary diplomacy could make a significant contribution towards achieving that goal.
Focus on executive and legislative balance
The second session of the conference focused on balancing relations between the executive and legislative branches in modern democratic systems.
Demetriou said smooth relations between the two branches were a key component of any effective democratic system, while maintaining an institutional balance was necessary to protect democracy, ensure accountability and preserve public confidence in institutions.
She referred to the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus and the invocation of the doctrine of necessity following the Turkish invasion and continuing occupation.
Demetriou noted that Cyprus has a presidential system with a clear separation of powers, which she said ensures effective checks and balances and prevents any branch of government from exceeding its role and responsibilities.
“Ensuring effective systems of checks, balances and accountability works in the interests of citizens,” she said, stressing the importance of strengthening parliamentary oversight for a modern and more resilient democracy.
Cooperation and accountability ‘cornerstones’ of democracy
Demetriou said institutional independence should not mean isolation and stressed that cooperation between the Government and Parliament, particularly during legislative and budgetary procedures, was essential for effective governance and decision-making in the interests of citizens.
She highlighted effective parliamentary oversight as a tool for transparency, accountability and improving public policy, arguing that scrutiny of the executive should not lead to institutional confrontation.
Instead, she said, it should be based on constructive criticism, access to information and meaningful dialogue.
Cooperation and accountability, Demetriou said, were mutually reinforcing principles and “cornerstones” of a healthy democracy.
Parliaments should use their role to strengthen the transparency, effectiveness and resilience of institutions and ensure they remain close to citizens, she added.
Memorandum aims to strengthen cooperation
Welcoming the signing of the memorandum, Demetriou said formalising cooperation between the parliaments of Europe’s small states would help promote their shared principles and values and contribute to the goal of achieving peace, stability and security.
“The institutionalised cooperation between us will provide the framework for jointly addressing the challenges linked to the particular circumstances of the parliaments of small states,” she said.
It would also allow the participating parliaments to develop more effective and meaningful action through parliamentary diplomacy, which she described as increasingly urgent given the difficult international circumstances.
Source: CNA
