Monarch calls for vigilance

King Felipe VI presided over the opening of the 12th Ibero-American Parliamentary Forum at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid on Thursday. Addressing parliamentarians from around twenty nations, the Spanish monarch called for joint action across the Ibero-American community to confront complex geopolitical dynamics. He pointed specifically to disinformation and polarization as direct threats to democratic governance, urging member states to maintain a vigilant stance and reinforce institutions of representation and public policy. Felipe VI stated that member nations must act as authors of their own future rather than passive spectators of external initiatives. He also noted that 35 years of cooperation through Ibero-American summits have strengthened the rule of law across the region despite historical periods of disagreement.

“Ibero-America is a cause worthy of the best ideas, of the greatest efforts and, under current circumstances, more necessary than ever. Let us keep fighting for it.”

Parliamentary perspectives and economic coordination

Congress President Francina Armengol opened the proceedings by emphasizing shared cultural characteristics and advocating a roadmap built on solidarity and empathy. Armengol outlined key discussion areas for the gathering, focusing on artificial intelligence governance, institutional resilience, and regional cooperation. In his address, the King connected the defense of democratic norms to stable economic relations, urging nations to respond to supply chain disconnections and shifting global blocs through predictable investment frameworks and commercial exchanges. The monarch also advocated for the complete integration of women into leadership and decision-making roles, alongside policies targeting digital transition, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion.

“That perspective of brotherhood is what will make us truly strong.”

Working sessions and thematic debates

The two-day forum brings together lawmakers, academic scholars, and institutional representatives across both chambers of the Spanish parliament. Senate President Pedro Rollan and Ibero-American Secretary General Andres Allamand took part in the inaugural assembly alongside Spanish government representatives. Working sessions held at the Senate examine the parliamentary impact of artificial intelligence, legislative adaptation, populism, and democratic fragmentation. The scheduled panels include a specialized presentation on hybrid threats and disinformation during armed conflict, delivered by Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

Preparation for the Madrid summit

The parliamentary meetings provide direct preparation for the 30th Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, scheduled to take place in Madrid on 4 and 5 November. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares stated that the upcoming summit represents an opportunity to project an independent regional voice into international discussions. Albares confirmed that a majority of heads of state and government have already committed to attending the Madrid summit. He stressed that active multilateral engagement prevents external powers from determining regional priorities.

“Because if we do not write the future, others will write it for us.”

The forum concludes on Friday with a plenary assembly at the Congress of Deputies, where parliamentary presidents and delegation leaders will formally present the final conclusions from the four working sessions.