President calls on the Verkhovna Rada to convene immediately
On August 15, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the Verkhovna Rada to convene immediately to address critical issues. He emphasized the need for MPs to swiftly ensure that Ukrainian soldiers fighting in Russia's Kursk region, as well as those involved in future operations on enemy territory, receive all the payments and benefits typically provided to frontline troops. The President also called for a resolution to the issue of trophy weapons acquired by the military during combat. Furthermore, Zelenskyy urged lawmakers to grant Ukrainian citizenship to foreigners fighting alongside Ukraine. He also proposed stripping titles and awards from traitors who fled to Russia at the start of the full-scale invasion, as well as from collaborators and criminals. According to Zelenskyy, all the necessary bills are already before Parliament.
RADA: Next Generation builds the legislative capacities of youth
From August 16-18, the USAID "RADA: Next Generation" Program, in collaboration with NAUKMA, organized a summer school as part of the “School of Lawmaking” course. The program featured a series of lectures and practical tasks designed to enhance the skills of 22 young lawyers. The “School of Lawmaking” is a cornerstone for nurturing talent within legislative, executive, and civil society institutions. Participants 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 are conducted in a blended format (online and in-person) at the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy from April to September 2024.
RADA: Next Generation facilitates citizen involvement in law-making
On August 15-18, the USAID "RADA: Next Generation" Program conducted the first Parliamentary Advocacy Academy, a four-day interactive summer school for Ukrainian NGO representatives to strengthen citizen involvement and participation in Parliament's work and the law-making process. The Academy focused on the specifics of the legislative process in the Ukrainian Parliament, citizens' participation in the work of Parliament, the law-making process, and parliamentary oversight, as well as advocacy and lobbying. In addition to participating in workshops and sessions, participants and trainers simulated the work of Parliament and had the opportunity to develop their advocacy campaign strategy. Forty-six representatives of NGOs and local authorities participated in the event.