Delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro participated in the Inter-parliamentary Conference for Common Foreign and Security Policy and Common Security and Defence Policy, held in Athens, on 3-4 April 2014.

On day two of the gathering, Baroness Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, spoke on current priorities for Common Foreign and Security Policy and Common Security, including situation in Ukraine; She presented results achieved at the plan of establishing and acting of the European External Action Service, neighbourhood policy and relation with strategic partners. Mr Ashton also referred to the progress made by signing and implementing the Brussels Agreement, considering the progress achieved as good example for other countries, especially Bosnia and Herzegovina.

With regard to the situation in Ukraine, Baroness Ashton called for unique approach with the aim of decreasing tensions, emphasising that Russian Federation – by its actions - opposed international law and its international obligations. Emphasising that the agreement should be reached on withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine territory, she said that economic stability of Ukraine should be ensured. During the continuation, she referred to the situation in the south neighbourhood, with special focus to the situation in Egypt, Libya and Syria. Speaking on plans in respect of improving the policy of defence and security of the European Union, Baroness Ashton stressed that peace and security in Europe has always been a precondition for economic welfare, and called for unifying capacities and joint acting. 

During the continuation, the discussion was focused on: conclusions from December Session of the European Council, development in defence and security sector. Minister of Defence of the Hellenic Republic Mr Dimitris Avramopoulos and Deputy Secretary General for inter-institutional affairs in the European External Action Service Mr Maciej Popowski spoke on the topic.

The following was also discussed at the gathering: mechanisms for enhancing efficiency, visibility and influence of common foreign and security policy, improving development of capacities and strengthening of European defence industry.

The last day of Inter-parliamentary Conference included workshops with topics such as: European Union Maritime Security Strategy, maritime dimension of the Common Security and Defence Policy, Recent developments in the Middle East and Deploying military forces under CSDP, parliamentary decision making procedures and practices.

In the continuation, the Progress Report on the works of the AHRC was considered and conclusions from the gathering adopted.