The EUVP marks the International Day of Parliamentarism

A celebration of parliamentary democracy – the EUVP marks the International Day of Parliamentarism

Today is the 137th anniversary of the foundation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in 1889. To mark this milestone, the UN General Assembly has established this date as the International Day of Parliamentarism. In an era where we are constantly reminded that functioning democratic processes should not be taken for granted, it is perhaps more important than ever to cherish democratically elected parliaments worldwide. 

To celebrate this cornerstone of all democracies, we interviewed three EUVP alumni who are currently serving as Members of Parliament in the United States Congress, the House of Representatives of New Zealand and the National Assembly of Panama. 

What is the best thing about being a Member of Parliament/Congress?

Ilhan OMAR, Congresswoman in the United States House of Representatives

Every day, I have the opportunity to be a voice for my neighbors and fight for policies that improve people’s lives. As Deputy Chair of the Progressive Caucus, I’m advancing bold priorities that will make a real difference for my constituents from Medicare for All and universal school meals to abolishing ICE. One of the most rewarding parts of this job is helping expand what people believe is politically possible.

Laura MCCLURE, Member of the New Zealand Parliament

The greatest privilege is driving practical change. I am proud to champion new laws to ban deepfaking someone into pornography, soon heading to committee. Equally, I am progressing employment reforms through Parliament to end taxpayer-funded 'golden handshakes,' ensuring true accountability and fairness across our public sector.

José PÉREZ-BARBONI, Member of the National Assembly of Panama

I believe that the best thing about being a Member of Congress in my country is being able to help the people to achieve some of the most important goals in their communities. Sometimes through legislation, sometimes through infrastructure projects, sometimes raising the voice for those that can't be heard, for example in terms of security, or access to education or water. If it is within my possibilities to raise my voice for those who elected me, I think that is one of the best things that I enjoy about being a parliamentarian, especially being this young.

In an era of geopolitical fragmentation, where should parliamentary diplomacy focus its efforts to have most impact? 

Ilhan OMAR
Parliamentary diplomacy must focus on strengthening democracy and confronting the global rise of authoritarianism and far-right extremism. Across the globe, we are seeing efforts to divide people by scapegoating immigrants, minorities, and vulnerable communities. Because our challenges are interconnected, our response must be as well. Legislators have a responsibility to build international partnerships that defend human rights, the rule of law, and protect democratic institutions.

Laura MCCLURE
Parliamentary diplomacy must focus on the uncompromising defence of democracy against authoritarian aggression. We must stand firmly with partners fighting for their sovereignty and democratic rights, such as Ukraine and Taiwan. Our shared priority must be protecting the rules-based international order that secures global freedom.

José PÉREZ-BARBONI
It is a matter of principles in terms of geopolitics. Right now, we have a very interesting world, everything is happening so fast. I believe that as a parliamentarian, the most important thing is to align with those countries or states that represent my values, freedom of speech, the respect for liberty, and the respect for democratic values. We need to always create those channels with ambassadors, with international organisations, and try to learn from them to understand what is going on and how things that are happening outside our country can be aligned with our national objectives.

As one of our alumni, how has your participation in the EUVP contributed to your work as a parliamentarian? 

Ilhan OMAR
The EUVP was a transformative experience that continues to shape my work in Congress. It created lasting relationships with lawmakers from across Europe and reinforced the value of collaboration in addressing our shared global problems. Whether on climate resilience or the protection of human rights, the program strengthened my ability to build partnerships and pursue solutions that extend far beyond borders.

Laura MCCLURE
The EUVP provided invaluable exposure to how European democracies navigate complex regulatory and economic challenges. Exchanging ideas with counterparts sharpened my approach to policymaking in New Zealand, reinforcing the importance of robust democratic scrutiny and the value of international partnerships in driving better outcomes.

Background:

The European Union Visitors Programme (EUVP) is the key strategic tool of the EU’s public people-to-people diplomacy, enhancing the EU’s smart power, global impact and outreach. It was established in 1974 and has since then been jointly managed by the European Parliament and the European Commission. The EUVP is supervised by Ms Sabine Verheyen, Vice-President of the European Parliament, and by Ms Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP). The over 5000 EUVP Alumni include several former and current Members of Parliament.