The parliament presidents of the 25 EU member states, as well as those of Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey, and the European Parliament, participated in the conference.

In his opening address the Prime Minister of Holland, which holds the EU Presidency, underlined the primary importance of further strengthening the role of national parliaments in European cooperation.

Mr Tabone delivered two statements on issues relating to developments in cooperation between EU parliaments and the European and global agenda, with particular reference to the new choice facing parliaments after the recent enlargement.

On both occasions, Mr Tabone emphasised the need for an enhanced role in cooperation between national parliaments themselves and between national parliaments and the European Parliament.

He pointed out that there was a need for complementarity between the intergovernmental and inter-parliamentary relationship.

Mr Tabone proposed to institutionalise the Conference of Presidents of EU Parliaments to provide a well-structured dialogue between national parliaments themselves and also with the EU’s new neighbours following the recent enlargement.

Mr Tabone also took the opportunity to consolidate bilateral contacts with other parliament presidents participating in the conference.

The next Conference of Presidents of EU Parliaments will be held in Budapest in May 2005.