Region: Europe

BGIPU hosts at Westminster the Alliance “For a Democratic Belarus” meeting

On 4 June BGIPU hosted in the Attlee Suite of the UK Parliament a meeting of the Alliance of Parliamentary Groups “For a Democratic Belarus”. The meeting brought together representatives of 9 national parliaments, the European Parliament and PACE, as well as speakers from the Belarusian democratic forces (Office of the President-elect of Belarus, Sviatlana […]

Delegates with IPU President, Dr Tulia Ackson

Belgrade conference urges action on gender parity in parliaments

Following the success of the first IPU Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians in Mexico 2025, the Serbian Parliament hosted the second conference from 2-4 June this year. The theme of the conference was “Advancing parity: Breaking the barriers of gender stereotypes and negative social norms”. The conference brought together 193 parliamentarians (155 women MPs and […]

The Italian delegation meet British counterparts to dicuss inter-faith dialogue, chaired by Speaker's Chaplain

Visit of Italian parliamentarians underscores the warmth of bilateral relations with UK

Between Monday 18 May and Thursday 21 May, the British Group Inter-Parliamentary Union (BGIPU) welcomed a cross-party delegation of Italian MPs and Senators to Westminster for a bilateral visit to the British Parliament. The delegation was led by Alessandro Cattaneo MP, Chair of the UK-Italy Friendship Group, alongside his parliamentary colleagues Fabrizio Benzoni MP, Gianmauro […]

© IPU

152nd IPU Assembly in Türkiye calls for peace amid Middle East conflict

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) successfully concluded its 152nd Assembly, hosted by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye in Istanbul from 15-19 April 2026. The “parliament of parliaments” drew over 1,500 delegates, including more than 720 parliamentarians from 126 countries. Women comprised 37% of lawmakers present. Some 13% of the parliamentarians attending were under 40. The high-level […]

Delegation pictured with members of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina

British delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina learn of the struggles still facing a healing nation

From 29th March until 2nd April 2026 a delegation of British parliamentarians, led by me Fabian Hamilton MP (Labour), including Anna Dixon MP (Labour), John Slinger MP (Labour), Martin Vickers MP (Conservative), Baroness Blackstone (Labour) and Lord Cromwell (Crossbench). We were accompanied by Henry Collison, from the BGIPU Secretariat. The delegation met at London Stansted […]

The five candidates in alphabetical order from left to right.

Inter-Parliamentary Union to elect its new Secretary General at 152nd Assembly

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) will elect its ninth Secretary General at the 152nd IPU Assembly, which will be held in Istanbul, Türkiye from 15 to 19 April 2026. The Secretary General serves as the Chief Executive of the Organization, overseeing the management of the Secretariat and reporting directly to the IPU Governing Council. Together with the President, the […]

The Istanbul 15 July Martyrs Bridge over the Bosphorus © GNAT

152nd IPU Assembly to take place in Türkiye from 15-19 April 2026

The Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) will convene its 152nd Assembly in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 15 to 19 April 2026. Hosted by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, the overall theme of the event is Nurturing hope, securing peace and ensuring justice for future generations. Against a backdrop of unfolding and ongoing wars, with severe humanitarian consequences, in […]

UK Delegation with the UK Friendship Group in the Moldovan Parliament

Promoting Stability, Democracy and Strategic Partnership in Moldova and Romania

Following a very successful delegation to the UK from the Parliament of Moldova in November 2024 and a brief fact-finding visit by Anneliese Dodds and John Whittingdale last September, this outward delegation to Moldova and then onto Romania from 1 to 5 March 2026 was much anticipated. The delegation was very balanced and harmonious. I […]