Pia Kauma addresses the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament in Strasbourg, 20 March 2025STRASBOURG, 20 March 2025 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pia Kauma (Finland) and Secretary General Roberto Montella are participating this week in the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament in Strasbourg, which has brought together more than 60 Speakers and Deputy Speakers and hundreds of other delegates for discussions on safeguarding democracy, guaranteeing freedom of expression in times of polarization and uncertainty, and violence against politicians.
Speaking today at the conference, President Kauma highlighted several threats to democracy in the OSCE area and urged greater vigilance in supporting people’s democratic aspirations while reinforcing shared principles. In this regard, she highlighted the role of parliaments as essential, in particular their oversight mechanisms to ensure that strong executives remain accountable to the people’s representatives.
“Across our region, we see a growing concentration of power in the hands of the executive, often at the expense of parliamentary oversight,” President Kauma said. “Left unchecked, this trend can lead to policies driven by short-term political calculations rather than long-term democratic stability.”
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, she pointed out, remains committed to supporting parliaments throughout the OSCE area in defending and strengthening democratic institutions, in particular through election observation work, fostering political dialogue, and promoting democratic norms.
The PA President also warned of external threats to democracy, notably the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine which has made clear the need for resilient democracies to uphold the rule of law and fundamental rights.
“The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is uniquely positioned to address these challenges,” she said. “As a transatlantic forum, we bring together democracies from Europe, North America, and beyond, united by our commitment to the principles of the Helsinki Final Act. This transatlantic dimension is a strength, reminding us that the fight for democracy does not stop at regional borders—it is a global effort.”
On the sidelines of the conference, President Kauma and Secretary General Montella have held bilateral meetings with Theodoros Rousopoulos, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe. Discussions touched on areas of common interest between the OSCE and Council of Europe, with a focus on the prospects for peace in Ukraine, developments in the South Caucasus, and institutional co-operation particularly in the field of election observation.
Other informal discussions are taking place with Speakers of Parliament and other delegates. On Friday, SG Montella is taking part in a meeting of Secretaries General, where the use artificial intelligence in parliamentary processes is in focus.
For President Kauma's full remarks, please click here.
More information about the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament is available here.
