The President of the National Council, Thomas Brezzo, took part this week in the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament in Strasbourg, a high-level gathering focused on safeguarding democratic values amid growing geopolitical tensions…

Hosted by the Council of Europe, the event brought together more than 60 parliamentary leaders and 400 delegates to address the challenges facing democracies across the continent—including rising hate speech, political polarisation, and threats to public figures.

Representing Monaco, Thomas Brezzo reaffirmed the Principality’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles and stressed Monaco’s role as a unifying voice within international institutions. While acknowledging the unique size and structure of the Monegasque system, Brezzo emphasized that the country could serve as a source of inspiration, particularly in its efforts to foster youth participation in democratic life.

On the sidelines of the conference, Brezzo held several bilateral meetings with international parliamentary leaders, including the Presidents of the Icelandic and French National Assemblies, the Vice-President of the Swiss Senate, and other representatives from Belgium and across Europe. Discussions ranged from Monaco’s specific electoral model to broader European topics such as end-of-life legislation, youth engagement, and the proposed association agreement between Switzerland and the EU.

The ongoing war in Ukraine was a central theme throughout the conference, with participants highlighting the importance of preserving European unity and peace.

As Monaco Info reported, the gathering not only strengthened diplomatic ties but also provided a vital forum for exchanging ideas and reinforcing the shared commitment of Europe’s parliaments to protect democracy, free speech, and political security in a rapidly evolving world.

Image: Monaco Info