Small States, Stronger Ties: Monaco Supports New Parliamentary Framework
Monaco’s National Council has taken part in a new step towards closer parliamentary cooperation among Europe’s small states, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding during the 19th Conference of Presidents of Parliament of Europe’s Small States in Andorra.
Representatives of Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino gathered from 13 to 15 September, with the memorandum signed on 14 September. The agreement is intended to give the nine parliaments a more structured framework for cooperation throughout the year, extending their exchanges beyond the annual conference.
The initiative was advanced by Thomas Brezzo, President of Monaco’s National Council, together with Monaco’s delegation, including Vice-President Jean-Louis Grinda and Fabrice Notari, President of the External Relations Committee. The proposal had first been presented at the previous conference in Cyprus in 2025, where the nine parliamentary presidents agreed to continue work towards a formal agreement.
The memorandum provides for a secretariat coordinated by the parliament of the host country, the possibility of meetings between annual conferences, increased exchanges of information and technical expertise, and greater coordination within international interparliamentary organisations.
The conference itself was created in Monaco in 2006, with the aim of encouraging regular dialogue between the parliaments of Europe’s smaller states.
Monaco is scheduled to host the 20th Conference of Presidents of Parliament of Europe’s Small States in September 2027, bringing the gathering back to the Principality for its anniversary edition.
