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ON THE AGENDA
Hosted by the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s Spring Session will take place in Sofia, Bulgaria from 25 to 27 May 2024.
During the Session, all 281 parliament members from the 32 NATO member states, alongside around 100 members from 25 partner countries and parliamentary bodies, will address key topics on the Euro-Atlantic defence and security agenda, focusing on support for Ukraine and priorities for the July NATO Summit in Washington. The meeting, taking place during NATO’s 75th anniversary year, will be the first NATO PA session which Swedish parliamentarians attend as full members.
NATO PA members will exchange with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and other leading officials and experts, review the draft reports from the Assembly’s five Committees and adopt key policy recommendations.
Additionally, members will hear from senior representatives of the Bulgarian government on Bulgaria's priorities for and contribution to NATO, as well as celebrate the 20th anniversary of Bulgaria's accession.
On Monday 27 May, NATO PA President, Michal SZCZERBA will address the Session's Plenary Sitting
UKRAINE
Throughout the Session, the Assembly will reiterate its resolute stance on Russia's unjustified, unprovoked, brutal illegal war of aggression against Ukraine as well as its unwavering support for Ukraine’s democracy, independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, self-defence and self-determination – for as long it takes for Ukraine to win.
Assembly members will discuss Immediate and long-term support for Ukraine, war dynamics and Russia’s war economy, and will adopt a declaration on Standing with Ukraine until victory.
Yehor Cherniev will present the first draft of the first UNIC report in the Political Committee.
NATO SUMMIT
The Assembly is set to adopt its recommendations for the NATO Washington Summit, which the NATO PA President, Michal SZCZERBA, will present to Heads of State and Government at the Summit.
On Ukraine, members will discuss increasing NATO's coordination role for Ukraine assistance, a long-term NATO financial commitment in support of Ukraine and affirming Ukraine's irreversible path towards NATO membership.
Additionally, discussions will centre on turning NATO's commitment to its founding democratic values into action through the establishment of a Centre for Democratic Resilience at NATO headquarters.
The Assembly will also address the practical implementation of NATO's new defense plans, NATO’s evolving air and missile defence posture and the fulfillment of member states' obligations regarding defence spending and burden-sharing.
PARTNERSHIPS
Discussions will also extend to partnerships. the Assembly is expected to adopt an in-depth reform of its partnerships and decide on Malta’s and the Assembly of Kosovo’s requests to become associate member delegations.
Ongoing challenges in the Western Balkans will be addressed, alongside strategies to support partners at risk and enhance engagement with the Global South. These deliberations will underscore the Assembly's commitment to stability in key regions of strategic interest as well as to fostering broader dialogue on global challenges.
OTHER TOPICS INCLUDE:
- China’s challenge and economic and security partnerships in Asia.
- Security in the Black Sea region.
- Climate change related and technological challenges and ways Allies should regulate and leverage new and emerging technologies, including AI.
- Human security (including the protection of civilians and cultural heritage in conflict).
- Combatting disinformation.
PROGRAMME SUBJECT TO CHANGE MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PRESS AND MEDIA