THIRTEENTH PLENARY SESSION OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE SOUTH-EAST EUROPEAN COOPERATION PROCESS
21-23 JUNE 2026, SOFIA
FINAL DECLARATION
Reaffirming the principles enshrined in the Charter for Good-Neighbourly Relations, Stability, Security and Cooperation, signed in Bucharest in 2000 as the founding document of the SEECP,
Following the Constitutive Declaration of SEECP Parliamentary Assembly and the final declarations adopted at the previous plenary sessions,
Guided by the Rules of Procedure of the SEECP PA, which regulate the functioning of the Assembly and its bodies,
Noting that 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the SEECP and that over the past decades the Process has established itself as a unique and reliable political framework for promoting political dialogue, trust, regional connectivity and economic cooperation, consistently supporting the European perspective and integration of South-East Europe,
Recognizing the profound transformation that the region has undergone over the past thirty years, marked by reconciliation, enhanced cooperation, gradual integration into the European community and the strengthening of the Euro-Atlantic partnership,
Taking into account the common contribution of all SEECP participants to the development of regional cooperation since 1996 and recalling the key political declarations that have consistently guided the development of the SEECP PA/Process,
Noting that the region continues to face complex geopolitical, economic, energy, migration and demographic challenges that require enhanced coordination and cooperation between parliaments,
Recognizing that the ongoing war in Ukraine and growing geopolitical challenges highlight the need for an even stronger commitment of the European Union to South-East Europe and to the processes of regional stabilisation and integration,
Following with concern the development of the crisis in the Middle East and its consequences for the international security, energy supplies, trade routes and the global economy, and calling for compliance with international law and the decisions of the United Nations Security Council,
Affirming that European integration remains a fundamental driver for strengthening peace, security, democracy, the rule of law and prosperity in South-East Europe,
Stressing that good neighbourly relations, regional cooperation, the rule of law and respect for human rights constitute essential prerequisites for sustainable development and successful European integration,
Reaffirming the importance of a strong and active parliamentary dimension as an integral part of the architecture of the SEECP and noting the role of the Parliamentary Assembly as a key platform for dialogue, democratic exchange and legislative approximation in line with the SEE 2030 Strategy,
Expressing satisfaction with the activities of the Standing Committee and the results of the work of the three general committees of the Parliamentary Assembly during the current mandate,
SEECP PA:
- Marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the SEECP and reaffirms its commitment to the principles of good neighbourly relations, political dialogue, regional cooperation and the European perspective of South-East Europe.
- Takes note of thediscussion of the meeting of the Standing Committee of the SEECP PA, held in Sofia on April 2026, regarding the intensifying communications within the Bureau, coordinating the actions and positions of the Assembly and improving the effective coordination of the work of the General committees.
- Welcomes the results of the work of the General Committee on Economy, Infrastructure and Energy, the General Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Security Cooperation and the General Committee on Social Development, Education, Research and Culture and confirms the importance of their resolutions for the development of regional cooperation.
- Reaffirms its unwavering support for the European Union membership perspective of all SEECP participants aspiring to EU accession, as well as of Kiev, based on the principle of their own merits,
- Stresses that the enlargement of the European Union represents a strategic investment in the peace, security, stability and prosperity of South-East Europe and remains profoundly effective instrument for promoting democratic reforms, reconciliation and sustainable development.
- Confirms that the principle of own merits, fulfillment of the membership criteria and the commitments undertaken at the European level should remain guiding in the accession process.
- Encourages EU aspiring SEECP participants to continue reforms in the areas of the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, the fight against corruption, the protection of human rights, including the rights of minorities and communities, good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation.
- Stresses the importance of gradual integration based on merit as a tool for accelerating convergence with the European Union through participation in European policies and initiatives in the fields of energy, transport, digitalisation, migration management, and the single market.
- Encourages closer cooperation between the SEECP and the European Union institutions in order to maintain the momentum of the enlargement process and strengthen the European perspective of the region.
- Reaffirms its determination to continue promoting the principle of good neighbourly relations by deepening regional cooperation in the fields of politics, security, economy, trade, culture, science and education.
- Stresses that in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and growing global challenges, good regional cooperation, political dialogue and mutual trust are more necessary than ever to ensure peace, security and sustainable development in South-East Europe.
- Call upon EU and non-EU SEECP participants’ authorities altogether to find a mutually beneficial solution to all transportation and logistics issues in the Schengen and SEECP area concerning SEECP participants.
- Welcomes the upcoming SEECP Presidency in Bucharest for the period 2026–2027 and expresses its full support for the implementation of its priorities and programme.