XIX Conference of Presidents/Speakers of AII Parliaments - Ioannina, 22-23 May 2025
The XIX Conference of Presidents and Speakers of Parliaments of the Adriatic & Ionian Initiative (AII) was held in Ioannina, Greece, on May 22-23, at a time of significant geopolitical challenges marked by instability, conflict, and uncertainty. The event, hosted by the Hellenic Parliament, brought together parliamentary leaders from AII member countries to reaffirm their commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and shared European values through parliamentary diplomacy. The Secretary General of the AII, Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta, was also in attendance.
High-level delegations included Ms. Elisa Spiropali, Speaker of the Albanian Parliament; Mr. Andro Krstulović Opara, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Croatian Parliament; Mr. Nikitas M. Kaklamanis, President of the Hellenic Parliament; Ms. Licia Ronzulli and Mr. Fabio Rampelli, Vice Presidents of the Italian Senate and Chamber of Deputies respectively; Mr. Andrija Mandić, President of the Parliament of Montenegro; Mr. Matteo Rossi from San Marino’s Consiglio Grande e Generale; Ms. Nevena Đurić, Deputy Speaker of the Serbian Parliament; and Ambassador Tamara Weingerl Požar, representing Slovenia.
The conference was structured around two main sessions. The first focused on the European perspective and the future of the Western Balkans. It was chaired by Mr. Kaklamanis and featured keynote speeches by Mr. Vangelis Meimarakis, Member of the European Parliament and former Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament, and Mr. Dimitrios Skalkos from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Discussions emphasized that EU enlargement is a strategic investment in peace and prosperity. Participants underlined the need for credible accession processes, rooted in merit, democratic reforms, and the rule of law. Several countries reaffirmed their commitment to European integration: Albania aims to join the EU by 2030; Montenegro hopes to conclude accession talks by 2026; and Serbia stressed its intention to complete key reforms. Italy reiterated its strong support, framing enlargement as a form of European reunification and cultural consolidation.
The second session dealt with tourism as a driver for regional growth, focusing on the diversification of tourism supply in the Adriatic-Ionian Region. Keynote contributions came from Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism (via video), and Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, Greek Minister of Tourism. The debate highlighted the importance of responsible and sustainable tourism as a tool for economic development, job creation, and cultural identity. Delegates stressed the urgency of diversifying tourism beyond seasonal peaks and major destinations, promoting lesser-known areas, digital tools, and green practices. National experiences from Serbia, San Marino, and Slovenia offered concrete examples of innovative and sustainable approaches.
The conference concluded with the unanimous adoption of a Joint Statement, reaffirming the shared commitment to regional cooperation, European integration, and sustainable development.