Parliamentary News

The Cabinet of Ministers submitted a draft law on conscription to the Verkhovna Rada. According to the details provided in the draft laws cards, the government has submitted draft laws on conscription, military registration, and completion of military service to the Verkhovna Rada (#10378 and #10379). Here are some key points from the draft law:

• Summons: The draft law suggests that a summons to the territorial recruitment and social support center can be sent to a citizen through the electronic office of a conscript or by email. Personal delivery options include representatives at the Military Commissariat, at the residence or work by respective representatives, and in public places.
• Rotations: Servicemen engaged in repulsing armed aggression for six months are proposed to undergo rotation by the military command for rest and restoration of combat capability. The recovery period should be at least two months, and servicemen would be transferred to combat units for equivalent or higher positions during this time.
• Unified Register of Debtors: Conscripts and reservists failing to arrive on time may be entered into the Unified Register of Debtors, leading to temporary restrictions such as travel abroad bans, property transaction restrictions, and limitations on driving, among others. These restrictions can be lifted upon exclusion from the Unified Register of Debtors.
• Reasons for Non-Appearance: Valid reasons for a citizen's non-arrival, confirmed by relevant documents, include natural obstacles, illness, or other circumstances preventing personal attendance. Additionally, the death of close relatives is recognized as a valid reason.
• Change of Conscription Age and Evasion Penalties: The proposed changes include lowering the conscription age from 27 to 25 years and imposing restrictions on citizens evading military registration and service.
• Basic Military Service: Conscript military service is suggested to be excluded as a type of military service, with conscript military servicemen released into the reserve. Instead, the government proposes introducing basic military training for citizens aged 18 to 25 for up to 3 months and optional basic military service for those who haven't completed the training.
• Leaves for persons who were released from captivity and Recruiting: The draft law suggests providing additional leave for military personnel released from captivity for 90 calendar days. It also introduces a new military rank, "recruit," and aims to involve administrative service centers, employment centers, and recruiting centers in military recruitment activities. It's essential to note that the draft law is currently under consideration in the parliament, and amendments may be proposed during the legislative process.

Program news:

USAID "RADA: Next Generation" supports Ukraine’s European integration by sharing the experience of Croatia. On December 18, Program hosted an online seminar on "Committee Work in the Croatian Parliament," with over 50 representatives from the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in attendance. Program plays a key role in exploring the best European integration practices, providing the Ukrainian Parliament with expertise, and implementing effective strategies in parliamentary committee operations. Hrvoje Sadarich, a Croatian Parliament's Office for International and European Affairs representative, shared insights into Croatia's legislative process. He covered committee functions, parliamentary secretariat operations, EU accession stages, and the Parliament's role in the process. USAID "RADA: Next Generation" developed strong connections with the Croatian Parliament, organizing a study visit for six VRU staffers in 2023. Another study visit is planned for January 2024.

Experts of the USAID "RADA: Next Generation" enhanced the development of the parliamentary Ethical Code and novelties to improve the law-making process in Ukraine. On December 18, Program experts participated in a meeting of the VRU Working Group to prepare comprehensive legislative proposals for amendments to Ukraine's laws in the field of parliamentary law. Participants focused on the draft laws regarding Ethical Code for MPs. USAID "RADA: Next Generation" provided expert support across all subgroups of the Working Group, contributing to the development of the Ethical Code. Suggestions from Program's experts were incorporated into the work of the subgroups and the Ukraine Recovery Program (specifically the part concerning parliamentary reform, developed in collaboration with Program's experts). During the meeting, emphasis was placed on creating a working group focused on interaction between the Cabinet of Ministers and Parliament. This group, initiated by Program's partners, the Center for Policy and Legal Reform, is geared towards implementing specific aspects of these developments. These advancements form the basis for updating the Cox mission's recommendations. Incorporating these priorities at the legislative level represents a significant stride forward, solidifying the Parliament's sustainable development with steadfast support from the Program.

USAID "RADA: Next Generation" strengthened VRU Committees in their communication, legislative and oversight functions. On December 18, Program hosted a coordination meeting with VRU "Model Committees." Participants reviewed projects undertaken in the first three months and outlined future directions. In the 2023-2024 period, the Program collaborates with 7 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 three months, the Program has supported the committees to:

• Organized seven public events to enhance oversight functions and VRU transparency;
• Developed recommendations for the 'Public Consultations' bill and enhance Parliament's functioning;
• Prepared 16 analytical materials and expert opinions;
• Provided simultaneous event translation and document translation;
• Initiated post-legislative scrutiny of 3 laws;
• Developed approximately 40 communication products and created banners in Verkhovna Rada's branded style for all committees During the coordination meeting, committee representatives expressed gratitude and spoke positively about their experience working with the Program. The parties then delved into detailed discussions on work priorities for 2024.

USAID "RADA: Next Generation" improved communication skills of VRU Committee on Youth and Sports. Program experts prepared recommendations for improving the VRU Committee's communications effectiveness in social networks. The document was created by analyzing the Committee's website and its social network performances (Facebook, Telegram, and YouTube). The recommendations will help the Committee to enhance its online communication and make it more effective, particularly in conditions under martial law. This has been the fourth package of Program recommendations for Ukraine's Parliament Committees. Program has shared the positive experience of implementing improvements based on the recommendations with other VRU Committees.

USAID "RADA: Next Generation" promotes newly enacted media legislation to foster new avenues of cooperation between VRU and media. On December 19, Program organized a training session on recently adopted media legislation for the communication units of the VRU Secretariat. Oleksandr Burmagin, a member of the National Council for Television and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine, and one of the drafters of media legislation, introduced the framework of the newly adopted law. Participants explored the context surrounding the adoption of media legislation, its key provisions, and specific issues about the collaboration between representatives of the VRU Secretariat and the media. The training is expected to enhance cooperation with mass media, ensuring more efficient information delivery to voters. Two additional meetings are scheduled in the near future, providing participants with the opportunity to explore the practical aspects of implementing the new legislation.