The Conference addressed the role of parliaments within the EU Danube Region Strategy, the mechanisms for cooperation of governments and parliaments within this strategy, as well as future activities of the Conference of Parliaments of Danube Region Countries.

At the Conference, opened by Mr László Kövér, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Hungary, a Joint Statement was adopted, listing key guidelines and recommendations for future activities of national parliaments and of the Conference of Parliaments of Danube Region Countries. It was pointed out in the Joint Statement that regular exchange of information between parliaments of Danube region countries was necessary and that in that regard there was the untapped potential that could contribute to the success of this initiative. 

Additionally, the need to establish the national contact point and parliamentary coordinator that would contribute to the MPs being better informed on all activities relating to this initiative and the Danube region itself was pointed out.

Speaking of future cooperation of the countries participants in the conference, Vice President of the Parliament Mr Suljo Mustafić said that Montenegro was recognised as the factor of cohesion, stability and cooperation in the region, and it demonstrated strong dedication in this as well as in other regional initiatives, both at the parliament level, and through initiatives at the government level.

 “We believe that the goals of this initiative are compatible with determination and state policy of Montenegro, directed at the European and NATO integration, because that represents strengthening of regional relationship, cooperation, good neighbourly relations, and integration of the region through projects of infrastructure, traffic, transportation, protection of the environment and sustainable development”, pointed out Mr Mustafić. He also pointed out that it was necessary to promote the existing cooperation mechanisms between the countries participants, with special emphasis on promoting cooperation at the parliamentary level. “Parliamentary dimension certainly represents a very important relation, which in addition to the political support may simultaneously significantly bring the importance of this initiative closer to the citizens”, concluded Mr Mustafić.

At the end of the Conference, a Joint Statement was signed, and it was agreed that the next “Third Conference of Parliaments of Danube Region Countries” would be held in the Republic of Serbia in 2015.

At this year’s conference, in addition to Vice President Mustafić and the host of the Conference Mr László Kövér, the participants were both Speakers and Deputy Speakers of parliaments of the following countries: Republic of Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of Croatia, Czech Republic, Republic of Romania, Republic of Serbia and Republic of Slovenia, MEPs, representatives of the Government of the Republic of Hungary, as well as numerous MPs of the Danube region countries.  

The Conference was also attended by Ambassador of Montenegro to the Republic of Hungary, H.E. Mirsad Babović.