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“In today’s world, democracy and human rights must be at the top of the agenda. Democracy must be defended every day—and continuously invested in,” emphasised Speaker of the Saeima Daiga Mieriņa on Thursday, 15 May, during a meeting at the Saeima with Theodoros Rousopoulos, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).
The two officials discussed the most pressing challenges currently facing democracy and the rule of law, including the recent EU Speakers’ Conference in Hungary and the Hungarian Prime Minister’s position on cooperation with the aggressor state. The Speaker and the PACE President also addressed foreign attempts to interfere in the political systems of European countries and manipulate democratic processes.
The conversation also turned to transatlantic cooperation. Speaker Mieriņa underscored that while the United States remains a strategic partner for Europe, it is crucial that European countries assume greater responsibility for their own defence. She highlighted the urgent need to step up support for Ukraine, particularly in terms of military and financial assistance. She also called for practical solutions to allow frozen Russian assets to be redirected to Ukraine without unnecessary legal or political obstacles.
Artificial intelligence was another key topic of discussion—both as a challenge and an opportunity. Speaker Mieriņa warned of AI’s potential in spreading disinformation and influencing public opinion, but also pointed to Latvia’s proactive approach in harnessing AI to foster economic growth. She highlighted the newly established Artificial Intelligence Centre, which brings together stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector.
President Rousopoulos noted that 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights. He encouraged member states of the Council of Europe to commemorate this milestone in schools, raising awareness about the Council’s role and the fundamental values of democracy. In his address to the Saeima, the PACE President emphasised that the Convention remains a cornerstone of Europe’s legal order and a moral compass for all.
On Ukraine, Mr Rousopoulos stressed that there can be no lasting peace without accountability, reparations, and the safe return of deported children and displaced persons. “Nothing about Ukraine can be decided without Ukraine,” he said. “We want peace—but we want a just peace.”
Mr Rousopoulos’ visit to the Saeima and his address to MPs marked the opening of the PACE Monitoring Committee session, which is being held in Riga over the coming days and brings together parliamentarians from more than 30 Council of Europe member states.
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Saeima Press Service
