Nicosia: Parliamentary leaders of small European states who held a meeting in Nicosia on September 15-16 pledged to strengthen cooperation in defending democracy, advancing citizen participation, ensuring the ethical use of technology, and amplifying their collective role in international diplomacy.
According to Cyprus News Agency, they also reiterated their support for a Cyprus settlement in line with UN Security Council resolutions and international and EU law.
Cyprus House President, Annita Demetriou, who hosted the 18th Conference of Presidents of Parliaments of Small European States, announced that for the first time the group will institutionalise their cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding to be signed in 2026. She pointed out that the memorandum would be ‘not just a piece of paper but a strong commitment for our conference way forward.’
The two-day conference brought together parliamentary speakers or representatives from Andorra, Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Montenegro, Malta, and San Marino.
Speaking during a press conference in Nicosia on Tuesday, Demetriou described the discussions as ‘substantive and forward-looking,’ highlighting three key themes: democracy and participation, technology and ethics, and parliamentary diplomacy.
On democracy, participants examined ways to strengthen public trust in institutions, with transparency and inclusiveness identified as pillars of resilience. On technology, Demetriou stressed that Artificial Intelligence must serve humanity, with safeguards ensuring ‘transparency, accountability, and ethical use.’ On diplomacy, she noted that small states can amplify their collective voice, adding that ‘our responsiveness to violations of international law should be the same either this concerns Gaza, Ukraine, Cyprus, or any other part of the world.’
Demetriou thanked her counterparts for their solidarity, stating: ‘It’s a privilege to host such an important session, to have all the speakers here from small states. In Cyprus, we’re grateful for your support. we believe in cooperation, we believe in solidarity.’ She also reaffirmed Cyprus’ firm backing for Montenegro’s EU membership bid.
Other parliamentary leaders echoed calls for stronger collaboration. Monaco’s Speaker Thomas Brezzo emphasised that the friendship and understanding cultivated during the meeting should extend to citizens, urging unity to safeguard the future of small countries.
Andorra’s Speaker, Carles Ensenyat Reig, expressed gratitude for the gathering, saying it had been ‘a fantastic time’ and promising his delegation would strive to maintain the same level of commitment next year.
Liechtenstein’s Speaker, Manfred Kaufmann pointed to the joint declaration as proof of the participants’ unified commitment to democratic resilience and innovation, noting that small states can strengthen their democracies through cooperation and joint initiatives.
Montenegro’s Speaker, Andrija Mandic, reiterated Podgorica’s aspiration to join the European Union, saying the conference provided strong backing from EU member states and that Montenegro is already ‘pursuing a good path’ toward accession.
Malta’s Deputy Speaker, David Agius, stressed that small states could have ‘a great and strong voice’ if they act together, while pledging Malta’s support for Montenegro’s European course.
San Marino’s head of delegation, Michele Muratori, described the participating countries as ‘a very big family’ despite their small size, calling the Nicosia declaration a ‘strong message’ that must be followed by concrete action.
The conference concluded with the adoption of a Joint Declaration, reaffirming the participants’ commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. It also reiterated support for a Cyprus settlement in line with UN Security Council resolutions and international and EU law.
The Joint Declaration adopted underscored the importance of participatory democracy, civic education, and transparency to strengthen citizens’ trust. It recognised both the opportunities and risks of Artificial Intelligence, urging ethical safeguards and international guidelines. It also highlighted the crucial role of parliamentary diplomacy in times of global instability, condemning violations of international law and reaffirming the role of small states as credible, active participants in multilateral cooperation.
The conference closed with an invitation from Andorra to host the 19th session in 2026, where the planned Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be finalised and signed, cementing closer institutional cooperation among Europe’s small parliaments.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.