USAID RADA: Next Generation facilitates visit of VRU Speaker to PACE
On April 16, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, visited Strasbourg, where he addressed the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). This Program-supported initiative marked the first instance of a Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament speaking before the Council of Europe's members. During his speech to representatives from 46 European countries, Stefanchuk appealed for support for Ukraine's fight for freedom and independence, stating: "An air defense system costs much less than the damage caused by a missile it does not stop. Each electronic warfare system increases the ability to neutralize enemy drones, which means saving human lives. We Ukrainians are often told that they will support us as long as we need it. And I have noted that we still need it! We need it today. We have to get a chance to live." In addition to his address, Stefanchuk held productive meetings with PACE President Theodoros Rouxopoulos and Marija Pejčinović-Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe. Discussions centered on Ukraine's security situation and establishing a Register of Damages as a step towards an International Compensation Mechanism. The parties also discussed the need to hold Russia’s political and military leadership to account for their aggression against Ukraine, and in particular the need for a special tribunal. Stefanchuk also highlighted the importance of repatriating Ukrainian children unlawfully deported from Ukraine by Russia, supporting PACE's initiative to establish a Network on the Situation of Children in Ukraine as part of its resolution implementation efforts.
USAID RADA: Next Generation develops partnerships between MPs and voters to help IDPs cope with the challenges of war
On April 20, Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), with USAID RADA: Next Generation support, hosted a meeting between MP Victoriia Hryb and 25 representatives from the Shchastynska community which was occupied by Russian troops in February 2022. Many residents were displaced or compelled to leave the country, encountering numerous challenges. Maintaining a connection with constituents is crucial, and this meeting aims to address their needs and concerns effectively. The event aimed to gather and analyze data on the primary challenges facing the residents of the Shchastynska community, foster a dialogue between community representatives and MP Hryb to address these issues, and work with MP Hryb to develop an action plan for implementing practical solutions to the identified problems. WFD experts conducted a questionnaire among IDPs and refugees from Shchastia to identify their specific challenges and requirements. The insights gleaned from this survey will help MP Hryb in oversight and decision-making processes, ensuring that the voices of affected individuals are heard and addressed. The event can be an example for MPs to develop strategies to tackle similar challenges in other frontline and occupied territories.
USAID RADA: Next Generation presents Legislative Quality Index for Verkhovna Rada's 10th session
On April 18, Program experts presented the latest Legislative Quality Index and lead an expert discussion about the legislative evaluation tool. Presenters highlighted the key indicators from the 10th session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, focusing on transparency, adherence to prescribed procedures, stakeholder and civil society engagement in legislative affairs, and expert assessment of legislative decisions. The Legislative Quality Index serves as a method for evaluating legislative procedures, their efficacy, and adherence to international parliamentary standards. It is an evaluation conducted directly by participants of the legislative process, including MPs, Verkhovna Rada staffers, ministries, central executive bodies, experts engaged in drafting, and working groups. The overall result of the evaluation was 3.32, compared to 3.03 for the 9th session, indicating a 10% improvement. During the expert discussion that followed the presentation, representatives from the VRU Secretariat, VRU Research Service, and civil society shared their insights on the Index. They agreed that the improved score was mainly due to the VRU adopting key EU integration laws during the 10th session.
VRU Committee on Social Policy uses Program-proposed methodology to conduct Post-legislative scrutiny of labor relations legislation
The VRU Committee on Social Policy launched a survey as part of its post-legislative scrutiny (PLS) supported by Program partner Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD). The Committee will use the survey results to analyze the implementation of Law 2434, "On Amendments to Some Legislative Acts of Ukraine on Simplifying the Regulation of Labor Relations in the Field of Small and Medium-Sized Entrepreneurship and Reducing the Administrative Burden on Business Activity." The survey aims to evaluate how the provisions of the Law are practically applied, assess the level of awareness among Ukrainians regarding the simplified regime for regulating labor relations with employees, analyze the Law’s influence on the deregulation of labor relations, and examine its impact on the level of guarantees for the rights of employees working in small and medium-sized enterprises, among other aspects.
USAID RADA: Next Generation strengthens VRU Committees in their communication, legislative, and oversight functions
On April 18, USAID RADA: Next Generation organized a coordination meeting with the leadership of the Verkhovna Rada Committees and the Program leadership to foster an exchange of experiences, discuss cooperation outcomes, and plan future joint actions. Ann Hopper, Deputy Director, Office of Democracy and Governance, USAID/Ukraine, noted in her opening remarks that the parliamentary committees play a key role in the Verkhovna Rada's oversight and legislative functions and in engaging citizens in lawmaking. In the 2023-2024 period, the Program collaborates with eight VRU "Model Committees," assisting them in implementing effective communication tools with stakeholders, executing legislative and oversight functions, conducting research, and enhancing the quality of the entire policy-making cycle. Over the past six months, the Program has supported the committees to:
Children playing Program's "M18: We Are Lawmakers" develop draft laws on anti-corruption, economic development, and medical care
From April 11 to 26, participants in the All-Ukrainian simulation game "M18: We Are Lawmakers" continue to draft laws as part of this interactive game. Young people aged 14-17 simulate meetings of three committees (anti-corruption policy, budget and economic development, health, medical care and health insurance, and education, science and innovation) to discuss draft laws. The All-Ukrainian simulation game aims to raise awareness of the functioning of representative democracy and parliamentarism. The game also provides the skills needed to participate effectively in politics and encourages young people to take a proactive civic position.
USAID RADA: Next Generation helps the VRU Committee on Energy to inspect critical infrastructure in Kharkiv region
On April 18, USAID RADA: Next Generation facilitated the VRU on Energy Committee field meeting to Kharkiv region to evaluate critical infrastructure functioning in frontline areas and oversee the government and local authorities' response to challenges. Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Head, Oleg Synehubov, reported substantial damage to energy infrastructure due to Russian attacks, leading to emergency power outages. Efforts are underway to manage scheduled blackouts and mitigate the effects of missile strikes, with international partners providing assistance such as generators and fuel. Committee Chair Andriy Herus emphasized ongoing projects to aid the region, including the installation of solar power stations at healthcare facilities. The meeting highlighted the need to prepare for the next heating season and address utility debts for residents in de-occupied territories.
With USAID RADA: Next Generation support, Verkhovna Rada enhances Parliamentary transparency by allowing journalists from 16 media to operate within its premises
Thanks to a Program initiative, Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is now permitting journalists from 16 prominent Ukrainian media outlets to operate within the parliament building during plenary sessions. This initiative follows the preparation of a corresponding decree by VRU Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk. Previously, on April 2, USAID RADA: Next Generation facilitated a meeting between representatives of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and journalists to find a compromise for cooperation during martial law. Twelve Ukrainian media outlets participated, along with Viacheslav Shtuchnyi, Secretary General of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Mykola Shecvhuk, Deputy Secretary General of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and Taras Pastushenko, Head of the Press Service of the VRU Secretariat. The meeting resulted in an agreement to permit 20 journalists access to the third floor of the parliament building, with the potential for expansion. Additionally, discussions were held regarding forming a self-governing journalistic association for parliamentary reporters.
USAID RADA: Next Generation improves Program’s training potential
On April 16-20, USAID RADA: Next Generation conducted a Training of trainers, which aimed to expand the Program expert pool, recruiting and providing basic training to the new facilitators. In total, 19 participants completed the training. The participants had the opportunity to self-analyze existing skills, and study forms of adult education, the universal cycle of the educational event, methods and techniques of interactive learning, and group dynamics. The group also got acquainted with the training program preparation process. The participants practiced the acquired skills by conducting training sessions on the cooperation with MPs and their teams.
USAID RADA: Next Generation helps Secretariat of Verkhovna Rada to cooperate with parliamentary Committees
On April 16-18, USAID RADA: Next Generation, in cooperation with VRU Research Service, conducted a training on VRU Committees for 21 VRU Secretariat staffers. The training aimed to acquaint the participants with the VRU Committees’ main functions, principles of work, structure, rights, and obligations, with whom and for whom the VRU Committees interact, and possibilities for improving the Committees’ work.
USAID RADA: Next Generation improves Research Service's knowledge on Artificial Intelligence
On April 18-19, VRU Research Service representatives participated in the European Centre for Parliamentary Research and Documentation (ECPRD) seminar on "The Use of Artificial Intelligence for Parliamentary Research and Documentation." The event was an important platform for the Research Service to exchange experiences and best practices with other parliamentary research services. Through engaging in panel discussions, keynote speeches, and workshops with AI experts and practitioners, PRS staff gained valuable insights into the effective application of AI in parliamentary research and documentation. The workshop enabled Research Service representatives to enhance their understanding of AI systems, documentation processes, and public awareness of AI. Additionally, it provided an excellent opportunity to network with counterparts from various countries, fostering potential for future collaboration and knowledge exchange. By integrating the knowledge and technologies explored during the seminar, the Research Service is expected to modernize its research approaches and improve service efficiency and quality for parliamentarians and the public.
USAID RADA: Next Generation promotes Verkhovna Rada transparency and helps improve the parliamentary accreditation system
Program experts produced a research report titled "Accreditation Practice of Parliamentary Journalists: Review and Analysis of International Experience for the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine." This study examines the current state of journalist accreditation within the Ukrainian Parliament, documents international approaches to accrediting parliamentary journalists, and formulates a conceptual and methodological framework model for journalist accreditation at the Verkhovna Rada. The study was presented to the Verkhovna Rada leadership with a view to establish a functional scheme for journalist access to parliamentary coverage. USAID RADA: Next Generation remains committed to promoting transparency within Parliament and advocating for public access to information.
USAID RADA: Next Generation enhances the communication capacities of Ukraine’s political parties to improve cooperation between voters and MPs
On April 17, the International Republican Institute (IRI), with USAID RADA: Next Generation support, conducted a focus group with the local branch of the European Solidarity party in Mukachevo. It was the second focus group of political parties represented in the Verkhovna Rada. In total, 24 participants, including MP Ivanna Klympush-Tsynsadze and local party members and members of local councils, attended the event. The focus group aimed to identify the status of and weaknesses in the party’s communications and engagement with citizens. Participants shared their approaches to communicating with the voters and discussed changes brought about by the war and their involvement in lawmaking. IRI will continue cooperating with Ukrainian parties and inquire about engaging local NGOs and businesses in shaping the party's agenda.