VRU Freedom of Speech Committee elects chief staff
According to information published on April 3, the Public Council of the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Freedom of Speech voted to fill senior positions. Dmytro Komarov, SEO and SMM manager of the Afisha Media Group site and journalist and presenter at the Philadelphia FM radio station, was voted to the position of Head of the Public Council. Mykola Typusiak, marketing director of Espresso TV channel, and Nataliya Zvoryhina, editor-in-chief of Zaporizka Pravda newspaper and board member of Zaporizka Pravda Friends Club NGO, became Deputy Head and Secretary of the Public Council respectively. The Public Council was formed by the Committee on Freedom of Speech on March 20, 2024, and included 15 members recognized as leading media experts in Ukraine. The Council’s key priorities are to ensure the rights to freedom of speech and information, ensure the activities of mass media, and protect the rights of journalists. The functions of the Public Council include public examination of draft laws related to freedom of speech; submitting proposals regarding the main principles of national policy in this area; and tracking the activities of domestic authorities related to the observance of the right to freedom of speech.
MPs initiate restoration of pre-war Rules of Procedure for Verkhovna Rada
On April 1, Draft Resolution #11141 was signed and submitted by 18 MPs from several factions: European Solidarity, Voice, and Servant of the People. The document prescribes that the Parliament work in the plenary meetings mode. It also would cancel the rule allowing only one plenary meeting per parliamentary session. Moreover, the draft resolution contains detailed regulations regarding the Conciliation Commission. Overall, draft resolution #11141, if adopted, is designed to contribute to the transparency and efficiency of the Ukrainian Parliament’s work.
With Program support, Verkhovna Rada enhances Parliamentary transparency by allowing 20 journalists to operate within its premises
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 remains committed to promoting transparency within Parliament and advocating for public access to information.
USAID RADA: Next Generation helps Verkhovna Rada to improve communication with voters
On April 4, USAID RADA: Next Generation conducted a training session on clarity in government communications for the employees of the VRU Secretariat, VRU committees, the “Holos Ukrainy” media outlet, Parliamentary TV channel “RADA,” and the VRU Educational Center. In total, 12 participants took part in the event; all of them are responsible for SMM and communications activities in their day-to-day work at the VRU. The training gave them the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills on the following issues: ● basic principles of plain language in government communications; ● effective techniques for turning information into quality content; and ● a checklist for improving team coordination in communication activities. To evaluate the effectiveness of the training, the participants completed a short online survey before and after the event. As a result, eight participants demonstrated a 25% increase in knowledge.
USAID RADA: Next Generation helps VRU bring the best European parliamentary practices to Ukraine
On April 4, USAID RADA: Next Generation hosted a follow-up meeting about the recent study visit to the Italian Chamber of Deputies in Rome. During that visit, VRU staffers worked with the Italian Research Service of the Chamber of Deputies, the IT Department, the Committee on EU Integration Affairs, and representatives of the Senate. The VRU Delegation said they found the visit valuable and suggested specific topics for future visits, such as a detailed look at the Research Service and the EU Integration Committee's work. The participants said VRU leadership would review the delegation's report and propose further steps to cooperate with the Italian Chamber.
USAID RADA: Next Generation establishes internship program to strengthen VRU Research Service
On April 4, USAID RADA: Next Generation initiated a competition for an internship program at the Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (RSVRU). The first stage of the competition will continue until April 20. Participants whose resumes, test tasks, and motivational letters pass a thorough examination by a joint the Program and Research Service team will be invited for an interview. Ten interns will be selected to join the Research Service internship program for six months. During this time, the interns will prepare information and analytical materials. Program experts will provide a series of lectures and workshops on several subjects, including parliamentary oversight, gender legal expertise in drafting laws, and advocacy.
Young people playing "M18: We Are Lawmakers!" simulation game develop 43 policy petitions
While playing the All-Ukrainian simulation game "M18: We Are Lawmakers," students developed 43 petitions, including 15 on anti-corruption policy, budget, and economic development, 17 on health, medical care, and health insurance, and 11 on education, science, and innovation. As a result, the youth became familiar with the procedures for writing and submitting a petition. From April 5 to 10, the children will vote online for these petitions on the project website, and the petitions that receive more than 250 votes will be used as a basis for drafting laws as part of the game.
USAID RADA: Next Generation establishes partnerships with European Parliament to strengthen inter-parliamentary relations
On April 2, Program experts participated in an unofficial meeting with European Parliament member from Germany Viola von Cramon-Taubadel. During the meeting, organized by the National Democratic Institute (NDI), Ms. Viola emphasized the importance of publicly discussing with international partners the issue of the Verkhovna Rada's legal autonomy, particularly its dependency on the Presidential office and the limitations faced by MPs who do not support Presidential initiatives during international visits. Program experts also presented statistics on the Verkhovna Rada's activities during the latest session, as analyzed in the recent USAID RADA: Next Generation research report "Parliament during Wartime."
USAID RADA: Next Generation experts present proposals for the implementation of parliamentary reform
On April 3, Program experts participated in an expert meeting organized by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) to discuss updates on parliamentary reforms for inclusion in the upcoming Jean Monnet Dialogue agenda. During the meeting, Program experts emphasized the following priorities for the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (VRU): ● Implementing the Law on Lawmaking Activity, which includes reforming pre- and post-legislative scrutiny mechanisms; ● Establishing a legislative procedure for reviewing and adopting EU accession legislation and enhancing the Parliament's institutional capacities to handle such laws; ● Adopting and implementing the VRU Communication Strategy; and ● Undertaking institutional reform and restructuring the VRU to enhance its legislative and oversight capacities by establishing a Budgetary Office and a Law Drafting Office.
USAID RADA: Next Generation enhances capacity building at the VRU Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy
On April 5-6, USAID RADA: Next Generation conducted a strategic session for the VRU Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy, to analyze the work of the Committee and create a draft work plan for the next period. In total, 20 participants, including Mykyta Poruraiev, Head of the Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy; Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, Head of the Committee on Freedom of Speech; Rostyslav Karandeev, Acting Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine; and MPs joined the event. During the session, the participants discussed the main areas of Committee activities, such as media and information policy, religion, national and cultural heritage, and creative industries. They also discussed their main communication challenges and opportunities. The strategic session aimed to provide an opportunity for the Committee to build its capacity and strengthen its communications with the executive government bodies.
USAID RADA: Next Generation assists VRU in aligning Ukrainian legislation with EU standards
On April 2-4, USAID RADA: Next Generation organized a training session titled "EU Legislation in Ukraine: Practical Aspects for the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine." A total of 30 VRU Secretariat staffers participated in the event. The training aimed to familiarize participants with the legal framework of the EU, integration requirements, and procedures for EU accession. It gave participants practical skills in adapting Ukrainian legislation to EU standards, including drafting acts, conducting impact assessments, and creating compliance tables.
USAID RADA: Next Generation implements gender-sensitive approaches in the work of NGOs
On April 3, USAID RADA: Next Generation conducted a workshop on gender-sensitive approaches in the work of NGOs for Program subgrantees. During the webinar, the NGO participants reviewed current legislation and discussed what tools and measures can be used to improve gender sensitivity in the daily work of non-governmental organizations. The workshop also focused on the essence of a barrier-free approach, both in communication and in the project implementation process. As a result, participants determined the efficiency of internal policies against discrimination and gender-based violence and further discussed what else NGOs can do to ensure gender sensitivity is integral, both within the team and in work with target audiences and partners.
USAID RADA: Next Generation establishes "School of Lawmaking" certificate program to build the legislative capacities of youth
On April 1, the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA), with USAID RADA: Next Generation support, opened registration for the "School of Lawmaking" certificate program. This program aims to enhance young people’s legal understanding and skills necessary for drafting legal acts, as well as cultivate their ability to apply regulatory principles effectively. The “School of Lawmaking” serves as a cornerstone for nurturing talent within legislative, executive, and civil society institutions. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from esteemed legal practitioners, engage in real-life case studies, and gain insight into rulemaking aligned with both Ukrainian and European standards. Classes will be conducted in a blended format (online and in-person) at the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy from April to September 2024. The program is open to law students in their 4th year of bachelor's, master's, postgraduate, and graduate studies.
USAID RADA: Next Generation helps to implement Democracy Workshops initiative at VRU with support from Austrian Parliament
On April 5, representatives from the VRU Secretariat and the Austrian Parliament met in online format to discuss implementing Democracy Workshops in the Ukrainian Parliament. Secretary General Harald Dossi from the Austrian Parliament, Deputy Head Mykola Shevchuk from the VRU Secretariat, and officials from the VRU Parliamentary Education Center, relevant Austrian parliament divisions, USAID RADA: Next Generation, and American Councils, attended. This meeting built on the exchange of experience initiated during the VRU delegation's study visit to the Austrian Parliament organized by USAID RADA: Next Generation in November 2023. That visit focused on the Austrian Parliament's engagement with children and youth through the Democracy Workshops initiative. These workshops aim to foster civic competencies, provide knowledge about parliamentary workings, and engage youth in democratic processes from an early age. They offer interactive training on democracy-related topics tailored for different age groups. The success of the Austrian model has led to its adoption in other countries such as Montenegro and Kosovo, with ongoing cooperation in Albania, North Macedonia, and Slovakia. The Austrian Parliament is willing to support a similar initiative at the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. A working group will be formed to develop a roadmap for project implementation, with the first meeting scheduled for April 29.