VRU Speaker denies mass resignation of MPs
In a recent statement to Ukrinform, Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, addressed rumors of a mass resignation among MPs, asserting that such claims are unfounded. "As Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, I rely on factual information, and currently, there have been no indications from MPs regarding resignations. This issue may be being exaggerated for sensationalism. Reports of hundreds of resignations are simply untrue," Stefanchuk remarked. Highlighting the threats facing Ukrainian parliamentarism during times of conflict, Stefanchuk warned of the risk of physical harm to both the Parliament and its members from the Russian Federation. As of May 16, the Verkhovna Rada consists of 401 MPs. The maximum number of seats available for the 2019 elections for Parliament was 450. Earlier statements from David Arakhamia, head of the Servant of the People faction, suggested a parliamentary crisis due to MPs wanting to cease their duties.
USAID RADA: Next Generation assists VRU in addressing IDP housing problems
On May 15-17, USAID RADA: Next Generation facilitated the Parliamentary-municipal forum ”Housing for IDPs”, initiated by the VRU Temporary Special Commission on the Protection of Property and Non-Property Rights of Internally Displaced and Other Persons Affected by the Armed Aggression of Russia against Ukraine. The three-day forum united more than 300 participants, including Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal, First Deputy Speaker Oleksandr Kornienko, MPs, executive authorities, local self-governance officials, NGO personnel, and representatives of international institutions, programs, and projects, to discuss the challenges Internally Displaced Persons face finding adequate housing in Ukraine. Participants discussed policy development to ensure housing for IDPs, financial and credit mechanisms as Instruments for implementing IDPs’ housing rights, and implementation of housing projects by international partners in Ukraine. The second day was dedicated to field meetings at places of temporary residence for IDPs, meetings with IDPs, and a follow-up roundtable on the results of the field meetings. The forum was an effective platform for Parliament to communicate with communities about IDP housing issues and aims to gather and analyze data on the implementation of IDP housing rights, foster an ongoing dialogue between IDPs and Verkhovna Rada, and develop a plan for addressing IDP housing issues.
USAID RADA: Next Generation enhances communication capacities of VRU Research Service
USAID RADA: Next Generation submitted communication recommendations to the Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. The document provides a comprehensive approach to enhancing the Research Service’s communications and the quality of its presentations through Canva design templates.
USAID RADA: Next Generation establishes internship program to strengthen VRU Research Service
USAID RADA: Next Generation supports an internship program at the Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (RSVRU). Set to launch on May 28, the Program team, in collaboration with the RSVRU, reviewed more than 40 applications and conducted 27 interviews. Ten interns will be chosen to join the internship program and over six months, will prepare information and analytical materials. Program experts will provide a series of lectures and workshops on several subjects for the interns, including parliamentary oversight, gender legal expertise in drafting laws, and advocacy.
USAID RADA: Next Generation supports RSVRU visit to Poland and the Baltic States to enhance legislative collaboration
USAID RADA: Next Generation organized the study visit for RSVRU staffers to Poland and the Baltic states. On May 14, the delegation, led by VRU Research Service head Lesya Valovska, met with the Director of the Office of Analysis and Documentation of the Chancellery of the Polish Senate, Agata Karwowska-Sokołowska, and a representative of the Senators' Affairs Office of the Chancellery of the Polish Senate, Anna Szczepaniak-Słowik. They discussed a collaborative work plan and planned training sessions for Ukrainian MPs and staff. On May 15, the Ukrainian delegation met with Vice-Marshal of the Senate, Michał Kamiński, and Director of the National School of Public Administration, Wojciech Federowicz. They signed a cooperation agreement with the National School of Public Administration and met with representatives from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. The visit aims to enhance legislative collaboration and capacity building and will last approximately ten more days.
USAID RADA: Next Generation helps veterans face challenges of war and reintegrate into civilian life
On May 14, with Program's support, the VRU Committee on Social Policy and Veterans' Rights Protection conducted a forum called "Veterans - the Path Home" in Lutsk. Among the 26 speakers were Iryna Vereshchuk, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories; Oleksandr Porhun, acting Minister of Veterans Affairs; and Oksana Zholnovich, Minister of Social Policy. More than 140 people attended, including MPs, representatives of local self-government bodies and the regional council and administration, mayors of the cities of Lutsk and Novovolynsk, heads of communities, and representatives of veteran and volunteer organizations. They discussed veterans' rights and creating policies to ensure their social protection, healthcare, psychological rehabilitation, and social and professional adaptation. The needs of family members of veterans, the missing, and prisoners of war were also discussed.
USAID RADA: Next Generation helps Verkhovna Rada to improve legislation on electric cars
On May 14, Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), with Program's support, presented an analytical study on the effectiveness of the provisions of the Law of Ukraine "On Certain Issues of Using Vehicles Equipped with Electric Motors, and Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding Overcoming Fuel Dependence and Developing Charging Infrastructure and Electric Vehicles" (February 24, 2023, No. 2956-IX), to the Energy Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. The study will be used to amend the law further.
USAID RADA: Next Generation shared with VRU best French practices in post-legislative scrutiny
On May 16, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), with Program support, conducted a follow-up meeting on the Study Visit of the Delegation of the VRU and the Parliamentary Research Service to the National Assembly and Senate of the Parliament of France. Participants in the April 8 – 10 visit focused on oversight and post-legislative scrutiny and engaged with French counterparts to glean insights from their experiences and explore innovative approaches to parliamentary work that could bolster Ukraine's legislative and oversight reforms while advancing democratic consolidation. During the follow-up meeting, delegates shared relevant knowledge gained during the visit with VRU Committees' representatives and the VRU Secretariat's structural units. There was also a discussion and exchange of views on what is valuable in the experience of the French Parliament and how the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine can use it in overseeing and implementing adopted laws.
USAID RADA: Next Generation enhances communication capacities of Ukraine’s political parties to improve cooperation between voters and MPs
On May 19, the International Republican Institute (IRI), with USAID RADA: Next Generation support, conducted a focus group with the local branch of the Servant of the People party in Poltava. It was the last focus group of political parties represented in the Verkhovna Rada. In total, 15 participants, including MPs, local party members, and members of local councils, attended the event. The focus group aimed to identify the status and weaknesses in the party’s communications and engagement with citizens. Participants shared their approaches to communicating with the voters about the work of lawmaking during the challenges of wartime.
USAID RADA: Next Generation facilitates advanced Cisco training for VRU IT Department
USAID RADA: Next Generation organized two specialized trainings for four representatives of the Parliamentary IT Department titled “Understanding Cisco Collaboration Foundations (CLFNDU)" and "Fundamentals of Cisco Firewall Threat Defense and Intrusion Prevention (SFWIPF)." These sessions, scheduled for May-June, will equip participants to administer and maintain a Cisco single-site solution. It encompasses initial setup, device management (including phones and video endpoints), user management, media resource management, and troubleshooting tools for the Cisco Unified Communications infrastructure. CLFNDU training facilitates seamless user collaboration, particularly in leveraging video conferencing technologies for parliamentary meetings. Meanwhile, the SFWIPF course targets specialists in the administration of information and communication systems and information protection complexes. It elevates their proficiency in deploying and operating the Cisco Firepower Next-Generation Firewall, ensuring heightened security, manageability, and fault tolerance of the information network and all associated services for VRU users.
USAID RADA: Next Generation cultivates parliamentary education for more than 1,600 children in Zakarpattya
From May 13 to 17, with the support of American Councils and USAID RADA: Next Generation, the Parliamentary Educational Center organized interactive lessons on parliamentary topics at 10 Uzhhorod and Mukacheve educational institutions, engaging 1,662 students. The sessions included lectures on the Verkhovna Rada, its authority, and functions. Additionally, participants were trained in drafting laws and presenting them effectively. At the local Palace of Culture in Mukachevo, PEC staff organized a quiz for school students. Three winners received prizes.
Verkhovna Rada explores cybersecurity innovations at the CyberUK forum in Birmingham
On May 13-15, two VRU Secretariat representatives, in cooperation with USAID RADA: Next Generation and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), attended the CyberUK cybersecurity forum in Birmingham. 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, had an opportunity to learn about cutting-edge developments and explore how to respond quickly to cybersecurity threats and the opportunities offered by rapidly developing technology. They engaged with cybersecurity experts, exchanged insights on emerging threats and practical strategies, and explored innovative approaches to fortify VRU's cybersecurity defenses. CyberUK is the UK government's flagship cybersecurity event, hosted by the National Cyber Security Centre.
USAID RADA: Next Generation launches “Legislative drafting school” certificate program
On May 17, the National University "Kyiv-Mohyla Academy," with Program's support, officially launched the "Legislative Drafting School" certificate program. This program will provide young people with the skills to draft legal acts and apply regulatory principles. Participants will learn from esteemed legal practitioners, engage in real-life case studies, and gain insight into rulemaking aligned with Ukrainian and European standards. The theoretical segment will include lectures and discussions, including guest lecturers from relevant practical fields (scientists, politicians, judges). The practical segment will involve presenting and discussing participants' practical assignments from the previous block's topic, a lecture component, and a discussion. The students receive assignments for individual work, which will be reviewed and discussed in subsequent meetings. The program is open to law students in their 4th year of bachelor's, master's, postgraduate, and graduate studies, and classes will be conducted online and in-person from May to September 2024.
USAID RADA: Next Generation expands VRU Research Service's ability to work remotely by enriching its knowledge of e-tools
On May 15 and 17, upon a request from the VRU Research Service, USAID RADA: Next Generation conducted the first two sessions in a series of workshops on e-tools for hybrid work (Zoom, Google). In total, 25 participants joined the events. The workshop aimed to acquaint the participants with the practical features of these services and how they can be used to improve the everyday work of the RSVRU. The participants learned multiple ways to conduct interactive online events using e-tools.
USAID RADA: Next Generation promotes legal awareness to foster new avenues of cooperation between VRU and local authorities
On May 13, USAID RADA: Next Generation subgrantee NGO “Union for Promotion of Rural Green Tourism in Ukraine” held the webinar “Legal basis and methods of communication with the deputy corps and parliamentary structures for solving regional problems and developing territorial communities” for representatives of territorial communities of Vinnytsia and Rivne regions. During the event, 47 participants had the opportunity to talk to MP Larysa Bilozir and ask her questions.