Parliamentary parties receive UAH 210 million in quarterly allocations The National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (NAPC) disbursed quarterly allocations to four parliamentary parties to support their statutory operations. The "Servant of the People" party received the largest share, at UAH 122.57 million, followed by "European Solidarity" with UAH 35.38 million, "Batkivshchyna" with UAH 23.25 million, and "Voice" with UAH 28.91 million. The total NAPC allocation was UAH 210 million. The parties’ statutory activities are funded through the Law on Political Parties (Section IV). The pro-Russian “Opposition Platform - For Life” parliamentary party has not received funding from the state since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Cabinet of Ministers submits updated draft law on conscription to the Verkhovna Rada On January 30, the government approved and submitted an updated draft law on conscription, military registration, and completion of military service to the Verkhovna Rada. Among the key points of the draft law are:
VRU Secretariat considers allowing journalists to attend plenary session The Secretariat of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine says it is considering permitting the media to attend the upcoming plenary session on February 6. Around 30 journalists may be granted access to observe the proceedings; however, they will not be allowed to use cameras or broadcast the session live. Since the initiation of martial law in February 2022, the Ukrainian parliament has been working in a closed mode and hasn’t broadcast sessions on TV or online. According to a recent poll, over 57% of Ukrainians favor bringing back live broadcasts of Verkhovna Rada sessions on the Rada TV channel. The Secretariat’s consideration comes amongst criticisms by civil society that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine lacks transparency.
USAID RADA: Next Generation assists VRU in studying Croatia's experience to facilitate EU integration and help Ukraine overcome post-war challenges
From January 29 to February 2, Program organized a study visit to the Croatian Parliament for six representatives of VRU committees to explore the parliament’s role in EU integration, legislative requirements, and oversight mechanisms. The Ukrainian delegation gained insights into the EU adaptation process, drawing on Croatia's experience as the newest EU member state. Discussions emphasized the critical role the VRU Committee on European Integration plays in the process, parliament's communication responsibilities during EU accession, the importance of various political aspects, and the need to establish robust connections with other European parliaments. Also, during the visit, representatives of the VRU Committee on Social Policy learned about Croatia’s post-war experience in supporting veterans and victims of war.
USAID RADA: Next Generation supports parliamentary education by implementing the All-Ukrainian simulation game "M18: We Are Lawmakers"
The Parliamentary Education Center (PEC), supported by USAID RADA: Next Generation, approved the participants in the All-Ukrainian simulation game "M18: We Are Lawmakers." Forty educational institutions from throughout Ukraine were selected to participate in this interactive approach to parliamentary education. PEC developed the game for 8-11th grade students to raise awareness of the functioning of representative democracy and parliamentarism by having students simulate the process of drafting laws. Team leaders will be trained in Kyiv in early March 2024, and the "M18: We are Lawmakers!" game will be played from January to May 2024. Game activities include a student survey about Ukraine's recovery and relevant legislative initiatives, interaction with MPs, parliamentary lessons, drafting petitions and laws, and voting.
USAID RADA: Next Generation enhances Verkhovna Rada cybersecurity by exploring innovations at the CyberUK forum in Birmingham
USAID RADA: Next Generation is organizing a visit for three VRU Secretariat representatives to participate in the CyberUK cybersecurity forum in Birmingham, scheduled for May 14-15, 2024. The delegation includes Vyacheslav Shtuchny, Head of the VRU Secretariat; Oleksyi Sydorenko, Head of the Computerized Department of the VRU Secretariat; and Oleksandr Parshyn, Head of the Cybersecurity and Information Protection Department of the VRU Secretariat. CyberUK is the UK government's flagship cybersecurity event, hosted by the National Cyber Security Centre. During the visit, the Ukrainian delegation will have the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge developments and explore how to respond quickly to cybersecurity threats and to the opportunities offered by rapidly developing technology.
USAID RADA: Next Generation provides equipment to allow the VRU Research Service to expand its work
On January 30, USAID RADA: Next Generation delivered the inaugural equipment package to allow the VRU Research Service to establish a cutting-edge training center. This center will facilitate distance learning and enable training sessions outside the VRU Research Service's premises. The equipment includes web cameras, a projector and screen, a multimedia panel, headsets, and other essential items. This equipment will enable the VRU Research Service to enhance its internal communication, its institutional communication, and its research capacities significantly.
USAID RADA: Next Generation supports Ukraine’s European integration by sharing the Croatia experience
On February 1st, Program conducted the "EU Integration Workshop: Navigating the Path to Accession and Parliamentary Responsibilities." A group of 140 MPs, VRU Secretariat staff members, and experts participated in the event. The workshop focused on the practical aspects of bringing legislation in line with EU standards. Participants learned about EU law and legislative procedures, examined the experiences of Croatia in aligning its legislation, and analyzed methodologies for assessing integration draft laws. Tatjana Tomić, a Westminster Foundation for Democracy expert and former Secretary of the National Committee for Monitoring EU Accession Negotiations in the Croatian Parliament, shared Croatia's journey through European integration, shedding light on the stages, requirements, and challenges the republic successfully navigated. This knowledge will help Ukrainian policymakers to prepare and address similar issues, ensuring a more informed and strategic approach to Ukraine’s EU integration.
USAID RADA: Next Generation enriched the VRU Secretariat's understanding of media legislation to foster new ways to cooperate with journalists
On February 1, Program organized a third training session on recently adopted media legislation for the communication units of the VRU Secretariat. Participants focused on legal regulation of the media during the war. The training is aimed to improve VRU collaboration with the media, ultimately facilitating more effective cooperation and information sharing with the media, and ultimately to improve communication with Ukrainian voters via the media.
USAID RADA: Next Generation facilitates VRU’s Communication Strategy to improve Ukrainian Parliament transparency On February 1, USAID RADA: Next Generation experts convened with representatives from the Legal Department of the VRU Secretariat to deliberate on the draft of a new communications strategy. During the meeting, participants carefully examined suggestions and comments put forth by the legal department. The Program expert group will refine the draft concept in alignment with the feedback provided. The five-year communication strategy project is poised to enhance communication channels between the Parliament and citizens, ensuring that information regarding the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine's activities becomes more accessible and understandable for voters. The implementation of this strategy marks a significant step toward in fostering transparency and strengthening the bond between Parliament and society.