House Speaker pals around with small-state colleagues

House President Annita Demetriou participates in the 16th Conference of the Presidents of the Parliaments of Small European States which began on Monday in Luxembourg.

The Parliaments of San Marino, Andorra, Iceland, Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro and Monaco are taking part in the Conference hosted by the Parliament of Luxembourg between 18 and 20 June.

A press release by the Parliament says that during the discussion on the sustainability of tourism and the challenges and prospects for small states, Demetriou praised the contribution of the Conference of Speakers of Parliaments of Small European States to the strengthening of dialogue and cooperation between small states in the field of tourism.

She suggested the development of synergies and joint actions, including the joint participation of small states in tourism exhibitions, to promote the products and the tourism model of each state, with the aim of adapting them to the challenges created for the tourism sector, as a result of the climate, geopolitical and health crisis.

Demetriou also pointed out the important role that national Parliaments play in the protection, but also the upgrading of the tourism sector. She said that the Parliaments must ensure rapid decision-making, must demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to facilitate the implementation and continuous adjustment of the tourism strategy.

During the discussion on the challenges in the field of cyber security, the President of the Parliament emphasized that protection in cyberspace is a collective responsibility that requires legislative regulation and the adoption of good practices as well as new technologies that cover the need for protection, information and the ability to manage potential cyber-attacks.

She noted in particular the importance of strengthening internet safety for children and young people, as well as informing them of the potential dangers of uncontrolled use of social media in particular.

Demetriou informed the participants about the measures the Cyprus Parliament is taking to protect itself from cyber-attacks. She also suggested the creation of an informal network between the IT services of all the Parliaments of Europe's small states, to share know-how and best practices in the field of cyber security.

Demetriou and her counterparts were received by the Grand Duke of Luxembourg and visited a tourist exhibition, which was organized by the Luxembourg tourism authorities.