The Annual Meeting of the Representatives of the Committees for Defence and Security of the Parliaments of Southeast Europe concluded at the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Joint Committee for Defence and Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Regional Co-operation Council (RACVIAC) issued a joint press release following the conclusion of the two-day Annual Meeting of the Representatives of the Committees for Defence and Security of the Parliaments of Southeast Europe, which is transmitted in its entirety.

"The Annual Meeting of the Representatives of the Committees for Defence and Security of the Parliaments of Southeast Europe, organized by the Regional Co-operation Council (RACVIAC) in partnership with the Joint Committee for Defence and Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), took place in Sarajevo on June 12 and 13, 2024, after a five-year hiatus. The meeting represents a key event for strengthening parliamentary oversight and co-operation in the Southeast Europe region.

Discussions focused on three important areas: the current state and best practices in parliamentary oversight of the defence and security sector, the role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening regional security and peace, and the OSCE Code of Conduct as a framework for democratic oversight.

We are proud of the contributions of over 50 participants, including legislators, security experts, and government officials, whose insights and experiences were invaluable in improving dialogue, peace, and security in our region.

In the context of current global and regional security challenges, our joint efforts are becoming increasingly important. The exchange of views and best practices will undoubtedly enhance our capacities for democratic oversight and help us address the complex security issues facing Southeast Europe.

This meeting is another significant step forward in our commitment to regional stability and security. By fostering dialogue and co-operation, we are confident that parliamentarians will be better equipped to influence, legislate, and advocate for effective democratic oversight of the defence and security sector in their countries.

Despite challenges and differing opinions among participants during discussions on the first day, delegations and organizers remained committed to positively addressing differences and continued to work in a democratic spirit and tolerance.

It was concluded that such meetings make a significant contribution to the development of regional co-operation, and there is a desire to continue this important harmonization of relations in the Southeast European region through similar meetings in the future." (End)