Jevrosima Pejović, a member of the Special Caucus of MPs, has been chosen as Vice-Chair of the Committee on Political Affairs and Security of the Parliamentary Assembly (PA) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), as announced by the Assembly.

The continuation of the 32nd annual session of the OSCE PA, taking place in Porto, saw the adoption of resolutions by three general committees, prepared by rapporteurs.

The resolutions addressing political, security, economic, environmental, humanitarian, and human rights issues will be submitted to the plenary for approval, thereby becoming a part of the Porto Declaration.

In the Committee on Political Affairs and Security, led by former Vice-President Kostel Nekolaj Dunava of Romania, significant focus was placed on the extensive security and political ramifications of instability within the OSCE region.

Rapporteur Tobias Winkler from Germany urged for ongoing support for affected communities during his presentation and highlighted the concerning situation in the Middle East.

During the board meeting, Pejović secured her position as vice president, garnering the majority of votes against her opponent, the incumbent vice president, Costel Necolaj Dunavu of Romania.

In her speech, Pejović emphasized the inadequate representation of Western Balkan countries within the Bureau of the Parliamentary Assembly, as well as the shortage of women and youth in leadership roles concerning key political and security matters.

Drawing on her background as a psychologist and psychotherapist, along with prior experience in the executive branch, she stated her commitment to fostering open and inclusive dialogue, mutual understanding, and staunch adherence to the fundamental values of the OSCE.

Pejović identified “dialogue and facilitating discussion” as her guiding principles for future endeavors.

The Assembly additionally reported that Mark Vizi from the United States delegation was unanimously elected as Chairman of the Committee, while Tobias Winkler from Germany was appointed as Rapporteur.

The Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology, and Environment, chaired by Azay Guliyev of Azerbaijan, concentrated on themes like economic resilience, climate security, and technological advancement.

Rapporteur Paula Cardoso from Portugal underscored the impacts of climate change, water scarcity, and migration driven by climate factors, emphasizing the necessity for international funding and hastening the transition to renewable energy.

Meanwhile, the Committee on Democracy, Human Rights, and Humanitarian Affairs, chaired by Lucie Potucková from the Czech Republic, passed its resolution after deliberating key human rights challenges.

Rapporteur Karina Odebrink from Sweden welcomed the recent release of political prisoners in Belarus and drew attention to the extensive humanitarian costs associated with the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as the imperative to safeguard civilians in Gaza and uphold international humanitarian law.

During the plenary session, the head of the Montenegrin delegation, Jelena Nedović, addressed the issue of the Middle East.

She remarked on the frequent retreat from principles seen in the modern world under pressure from global powers, highlighting the critical importance of international organizations and principled actors in such contexts.

Nedović reinforced the European Union’s responsibility to remain steadfast in its commitment to international law, human rights, and impartial, fact-based evaluations if it aims to maintain its credibility as a proponent of peace and stability.

She stressed the urgency for a comprehensive, just, and inclusive peace process, advocating for adherence to international law and genuine solidarity.

Nedović urged all parties to avoid further escalation, create opportunities for dialogue, and prioritize the protection of human life and dignity in every political initiative.

“The Middle East deserves a future in which children grow up in safety, dignity, and hope—where cultural and religious differences are not barriers, but resources for peaceful coexistence,” stated Nedović.

She asserted that peace, justice, and stability in the Middle East extend beyond regional issues to being fundamental to collective security and the moral responsibility of the international community.

The PA has previously adopted several supplementary resolutions, including Kyriakos Hadjiani’s proposal, “A Positive Agenda for Cooperation in the Western Balkans,” which received robust backing from MPs.

This resolution positively acknowledges the strategic significance of the Western Balkans for stability, security, and peace in Europe.

Furthermore, it reaffirms the region’s European perspective as a crucial motivator for reforms, economic growth, youth empowerment, and regional stability, while advocating for the continuation of a merit-based enlargement process.

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