Skopje, 7 May 2026 (MIA) - Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi met Thursday with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, discussing issues of mutual interest, with a particular emphasis on improving democratic processes, rule of law, and the respect for human rights, Parliament said in a press release.

At the meeting, Gashi reaffirmed Parliament’s committment to democratic standards and institutional stability. He highlighted the importance of these principles for the creation of public policies in the country. The Speaker stressed that the Republic of North Macedonia remains a reliable and constructive partner, actively contributing to the strengthening of democratic culture in the Western Balkans and serving as an example of a multiethnic democracy and inclusive society.

The Speaker expressed his backing for the New Democratic Pact for Europe initiative, as well as a timely and strategic response to the challenges that modern European democracies face. He assessed the Pact as a significant framework preventing democratic backsliding and ensuring better protection against disinformation, manipulation, and external influence in societies. Gashi especially noted the importance of parliaments in the implementation of the Pact’s principles.  

Speaker Gashi highlighted the significance of the Council of Europe as an important pillar of European democracy. In that context, he reaffirmed the need for a coordinated and joint European response to issues related to polarization, drop of institutional trust, and disinformation in digital space.

The meeting reaffirmed European integration as a top strategic priority for the country. Gashi emphasized the importance of good neighborly relations and regional dialogue, based on mutual respect and European values, noting that strong and resilient democracies are the best guarantee for peace and prosperity.

Gashi and Berset concluded the meeting by reaffirming the readiness to further enhance cooperation between Parliament and the Republic of North Macedonia and the Council of Europe in order to jointly contribute to a stronger, more stable, and more democratic Europe.

Photo: Parliament