As geopolitical fragmentation and democratic pressures continue to reshape the international environment, the panel discussion “Parliaments in a Fragmenting World: Safeguarding Democracy and Navigating Geopolitical Change,” held within the framework of the Yerevan Dialogue 2026, explored the evolving role of legislative institutions in addressing contemporary global challenges.
Moderated by Gayane Abrahamyan, President of the For Equal Rights Educational Center of Armenia, the panel brought together Sargis Khandanyan, Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the National Assembly of Armenia; Titus Corlatean, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Senate of Romania; Jack McConnell, Member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom; Dmytro Mykysha, Member of Parliament of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine; and Ivan Racan, Deputy Chair of the EU Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Croatia.
Participants discussed the growing importance of parliaments in safeguarding democratic accountability, strengthening institutional resilience, and ensuring effective governance in an increasingly uncertain international environment. The conversation also explored how legislative institutions can balance domestic priorities with international responsibilities while maintaining dialogue during periods of geopolitical tension.
A significant part of the discussion focused on parliamentary diplomacy and its role in promoting cooperation across Europe and its wider neighborhood amid shifting governance frameworks and rising fragmentation. Participants highlighted the importance of inter-parliamentary engagement in supporting democratic institutions, fostering shared values, and strengthening regional cooperation.
The discussion underscored that in a rapidly evolving global landscape, parliaments continue to serve not only as legislative bodies, but also as key actors in reinforcing democratic principles, shaping resilient governance systems, and navigating geopolitical change.
