Deputy Speakers of the BiH PA House of Representatives and House of Peoples, Dr. Denis Bećirović and Ognjen Tadić, took part on the First Summit of the Speakers of Parliaments of the Mediterranean Union member states

 
The Deputy Speaker of the BiH PA House of Representatives, Dr. Denis Bećirović, and the Deputy Speaker of the BiH PA House of Peoples, Ognjen Tadić, took part in the First Summit of the Speakers of Parliaments of the Mediterranean Union member states, held today in Marseille, at the request of the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz.
Forty-two Speakers of Parliaments of the European Union member states, and those of the Mediterranean, expressed their concern at the lack of progress in projects planned at the 2008 Summit of the Mediterranean Union in Paris. However, they emphasized their belief that the State authorities of both sides of the Mediterranean must intensify their efforts significantly, in order to fulfil the expectations of the people they represent.
The main topics discussed referred to the significance of co-operation within the Mediterranean Union, with the aim of finding solutions for projects related to infrastructure, environment and energy.

Summit participants prioritized the establishment of a Euro-Mediterranean education, science, and research area. They also emphasized that particular importance must be placed on the consolidation of the Euro-Mediterranean University. While debating unresolved conflicts in the Mediterranean region, those present agreed that they should not be used as an excuse to delay progress in those countries. Moreover, a call engaging the EU and the Arab League to restore peace negotiations in the Middle East was forwarded from the Summit.

It is of note that this Summit was the first high-level meeting since the Heads of States and Mediterranean Union Governments meeting, held in Paris in 2008, thus the first regional political meeting after the Arab Spring. (end)