Significant issues concerning the European perspective of the Western Balkans, as well as tourism development in the Adriatic-June region, employed the 19th Conference of the Presidents of Parliament Countries of the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative, which took place on 2 days, 22 and 23 May in Ioannina, under Ioannina. Nikita Kaklaman.
“Parliamentary cooperation is the foundation for a more united and durable area,” Mr Kaklamanis said. and he stressed:
“In the age of complex challenges, only through cooperation, dialogue and mutual respect can we build a common future of stability, security and prosperity. The Adriatic and Ionian Initiative offers us the framework to enhance the cohesion and durability of our area. Our parliamentary cooperation is the foundation for a more united and durable area, ”in these words, the Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Nikitas Kaklamanis, declared the launch of the 19th Conference of Presidents of Parliament in the Haddrians and Ionian Initiative.
Mr N. Kaklamanis referred to the importance of the meeting of the Presidents of Parliament in a period of extreme geopolitical instability, emphasizing: a) the need for regional cooperation, b) the construction of confidence and c) the strengthening of political dialogue and d) the immediate ceasefire and the immediate ceasefire.
He even explained the crucial role of parliamentary diplomacy and the importance of the initiative as a pillar of stability, unity and coordinated action in the wider region.
Concerning the 1st Thematic Unit of the Conference: “European Perspective of the Western Balkans”, the Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament underlined the need to maintain the credibility and rate of enlargement of the European Union. He noted that the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU is a strategic choice for peace, stability and democracy in the region.
However, he added that the enlargement process must maintain the dynamic but, above all, its credibility: “With reference to the sea that unites us, our message should be clear – since the candidate countries adopt and effectively apply the necessary reforms. Of course, it is important not to forget our values, especially in a period of multiple judgments. Terms and conditions apply. The rule of law remains the backbone of the enlargement process, ”he said.
Mr N. Kaklamanis also referred to Greece’s commitment to the beginning of good neighborly and its active support to the countries of the region, offering know -how for harmonization with the European acquis.
For the 2nd Thematic Unit of the Conference, which was put on the tapestry in Ioannina and was “tourist development in the Adriatic-June area” the President of the Greek Parliament initially pointed out that tourism is a blood donor to the economies of the region.
But he stressed the need to create sustainable, innovative and differentiated tourist models, with an emphasis on environmental protection, the promotion of cultural heritage and the active involvement of local communities.
Particular reference was made to the importance of smart tourism flow management, the congestion of popular destinations and the strengthening of forms of responsible tourism.
The keynote speaker on the “European perspective and the accession of the Western Balkans” was also the former Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament, MEP and Member of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET), Mr. Vangelis Meimarakis, who said: cohesion. The integration of the Western Balkans and the general expansion of the EU It is one of the most critical and strategic choices for Europe’s future. “
The same theme was also placed by the Secretary General of International Economic Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dimitris Skalkos, who stressed that: “The expansion of the European Union in the Western Balkans is a geostrategic investment for the peace, security, stability and prosperity of the Western region, and the well-being of the West.”
Tourism Undersecretary, Mr. Olga Kefalogiannis, focused on the differentiation of the tourism offer in the Adriatic – Ionian region and argued that: “Greece will continue to actively contribute to the formation of a common tourism strategy with the aim of promoting the Adriatic – Ionian Region”.
A video message was addressed by the Commissioner for Sustainable Transfers and Tourism, Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, who emphasized that: “Differentiation and viability in tourism is not a luxury, but is an urgent need. We are working on a truly ambitious common European tourism strategy by 2026. “
The Conference of the Presidents of Parliament Countries of the Adriatic & Ionian Initiative was closed with conclusive comments by the Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. N. Kaklamanis.