Parliamentary News:

VRU Budget Committee to develop model for Parliamentary Budget Office by January 2025

On November 18, the Verkhovna Rada's Budget Committee tasked a working group, comprised of representatives from all factions and groups, with developing functional and organizational models for the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO). These models are to be presented for discussion in January 2025, alongside a legislative framework for establishing the office, according to MP Pavlo Frolov. The creation of the PBO aligns with EU requirements and aims to enhance Parliamentary oversight and financial transparency. The PBO will provide the Verkhovna Rada with independent analytical materials, enabling it to participate as an equal partner in the budget process. Additionally, the PBO will play a vital role in monitoring the use of international assistance and ensuring accountability in public finance. Currently, three Program-supported experts are assisting Frolov and the VRU leadership in developing and evaluating three potential models for the PBO. These models will be presented and discussed with the VRU leadership to determine the most effective structure for Ukraine. USAID RADA: Next Generation also contributed to preparing the materials used during the meeting with the Congressional Budget Office.

President of Ukraine Unveils Internal Resilience Plan at the Verkhovna Rada

On November 19, marking the 1,000th day of Ukraine’s resistance against Russia's full-scale invasion, President Volodymyr Zelenskyi presented his vision for strengthening Ukraine to Parliament, government leaders, and military officials. The President announced that the Internal Resilience Plan, currently covering 10 key areas, will be refined with input from civil society, businesses, the cultural sector, and experts, and the full document will be unveiled in December. Key points include:

• Unity: Strengthened international support, elections post-victory, European and NATO integration, full digitalization, and holding Russia accountable.
• Front: Modernized military management, a Military Ombudsman, and new contract systems for non-mobilized citizens.
• Weapons: Plans to produce 30,000 long-range drones, 3,000 cruise missiles, and establish a Technological Headquarters.
• Economy: Promote domestic production, military risk insurance, deregulation, and de-shadowing of markets.
• Energy: Prioritize nuclear power and enhance regional energy resilience.
• Security: Fortify borders and modernize shelter standards in schools and state buildings.
• Communities: Tax breaks for frontline areas and engagement of ethnic groups in state decisions.
• Human Capital: Launch a Ministry of Ukrainian Unity, introduce multiple citizenship, and restore diplomatic services.
• Culture: Create a ‘Cultural Ramstein’ platform and support Ukrainian Studies globally.
• Hero Policy: Expand veteran services, rehabilitation centers, and housing programs. Last month, Zelenskyi also presented the classified five-point Victory Plan, which includes NATO membership, defense strengthening, Russian deterrence, economic strategy, and replacing some U.S. military contingents in Europe with Ukrainian forces.

Verkhovna Rada makes several decisions during November 19-21 plenary sessions

The following resolutions were adopted:

• №12119 - On awarding the 2024 Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Prize for Youth Contributions to the Development of Parliamentarism and Local Self-Government.
• №1212 - On establishing a Temporary Special Commission of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to draft the main principles of Ukraine's state policy regarding interaction with national movements of small and indigenous peoples of the Russian Federation.
• №12196 - The Verkhovna Rada address to international partners on the 1,000th day since the beginning of the full-scale war. MPs adopted the following law:
• №12095 - Legal mechanisms for service members who have left their duties without authorization but voluntarily returned to service.
• №5652 - Measures aimed at restoring the rights of convicted persons and detainees in connection with inadequate detention conditions.
• №9462 - The improvement of provisions on judicial oversight.
• №0279 - On the ratification of the Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Albania.
• №0178 - On Ukraine's accession to the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.
• №12104 – Grounds for granting deferment from military service during mobilization to individuals whose close relatives were killed or went missing.
• №11531 – Ensuring equal rights and opportunities for service members, alongside men who are eligible for deferment from military service during mobilization, by granting the right to discharge from military service due to the death or disappearance of their half-siblings during combat operations.
• №10132 – On the status of individuals affected by sexual violence related to the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and urgent interim reparations.
• №11423 – Defines the concepts of tactical pre-hospital care and civil-military cooperation, and regulates the status of combat medics.
• №12057 – Provides for the ability to enlist former service members of the intelligence agency of the central executive body responsible for state border protection into its reserve.
• №10273 – Concerning the functioning of the National Secure Communication System and the National Electronic Communications Network.
• №10256 – On the registration of individuals whose lives and health have been harmed as a result of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation.
• №11425-d – Regarding the specifics of taking the qualification exam.
• №10249 – Enhancing mechanisms for preventing and combating domestic violence and gender-based violence.
• №11410 – Revocation of state awards from traitors of Ukraine.
• №8119 – Establishing new legal and organizational frameworks to attract investments in the development of the fishing industry.
• №11281 – Ensuring housing rights for internally displaced persons (creating an information database of real estate properties available for housing internally displaced persons).
• №9149 – Improving the enforcement of penalties in the form of fines and community service.
• №12000 - The Verkhovna Rada has approved the draft state budget of Ukraine for 2025 in its entirety. The draft outlines record-high expenditures of UAH 3.94 trillion, including UAH 2.23 trillion allocated for defense. The budget was adopted with provisions for increased taxes, with projected revenues amounting to UAH 2.3 trillion. This figure includes UAH 141 billion generated from tax bill No. 11416-d.
• №12218 - The Verkhovna Rada adopts a draft resolution on the Parliamentary budget for 2025. The funding allocated for the salaries of MPs and their consultants will increase by 26.2%, although the base salaries of MPs will remain unchanged. Expenditure per MP will amount to UAH 2.28 million in 2025. These annual expenditures per MP will include:
• UAH 90,000 – reimbursement for travel expenses within Ukraine, provided to MPs monthly;
• UAH 1.59 million – salary fund for assistants or consultants to an MP;
• UAH 350,000 – payroll-related charges for assistants-consultants;
• UAH 8,000 – travel expenses for assistants-consultants to electoral districts (calculated for 10 months);
• UAH 2,000 – reimbursement of expenses for maintaining premises in electoral districts;
• UAH 237,900 – compensation for housing rental or hotel accommodation;
• UAH 670 – reimbursement for expenses related to organizing and conducting meetings between MPs and their constituents. Also, the VRU Secretariat is scheduled to receive a budget allocation of UAH 3.139 billion, out of which UAH 1.68 billion is designated for legislative activities. In the first reading:
• №12209 - Draft law on modernizing the social insurance system to effectively support individuals who have partially or fully lost their ability to work.
• №9495 - Draft law on the protection of the rights of deported and forcibly displaced children.
• №10298 - Draft law defining individuals who cannot become adoptive parents.
• №12131 - Restoration of monitoring, reporting, and verification of greenhouse gas emissions.
• №12030 - On the mental health care system in Ukraine.
• №9155 - Amendments to part one of Article 7 of the Family Code of Ukraine to improve the legislative procedure.
• №11543 - On introducing safety measures in institutions of general secondary education.
• №12066 – Establishment and operation of the Unified State Register of Service Members and amendments to other Ukrainian laws to improve the procedure for maintaining military records.
• №8153 – The Law on Personal Data Protection.
• №12089 – Imposing a limitation period for the state and communities to file lawsuits contesting court decisions of which the state and communities, as landowners, were unaware.
• №11493 – Amending the approach to existing procedures for the simplified state registration of medicinal products eligible for procurement by the State Enterprise "Medical Procurement of Ukraine."
• №9363 – Concerning the digitization of enforcement proceedings.
• №12178 – Abolition of the Medical and Social Expert Commission (MSEC).
• №12032 – Granting the right to the spouse of a Ukrainian citizen who is serving or has served in the military to apply for Ukrainian citizenship.
• №12102 – Regarding the formation and maintenance of a list of terrorist organizations (groups).

Program news:

USAID RADA: Next Generation helps to address housing rights of IDPs through legislative initiatives and by enhancing Parliamentary oversight

On November 20, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the Law on Conducting a Nationwide Housing Inventory for IDPs (#11281). This legislation establishes a public interactive map containing an information database of habitable housing. The law empowers IDPs to select housing options directly, while government agencies collaborate with international organizations to oversee necessary repairs and make these properties livable. This initiative creates a foundation for a coordinated infrastructure to streamline efforts at both local and national levels. The Temporary Special Commission of the Verkhovna Rada (TSC) on the Protection of the Rights of IDPs and Other Persons developed this draft law. Recognizing its limited staffing capacity, the TSC sought Program’s expertise in coordinating activities, organizing field meetings, and providing expert advice. To support the TSC, USAID RADA: Next Generation hired a lawyer, a program coordinator, and a communications consultant. With Program’s assistance, the TSC held 14 meetings, adopted more than 50 resolutions, and engaged 226 citizens through public discussions and field hearings. These efforts paved the way for actionable legal solutions, including preparing two draft laws addressing IDP housing and rights (#11281, which was adopted today, and #10382). Also, USAID RADA: Next Generation facilitated closer collaboration between the TSC, government agencies, and local authorities, improving conditions for IDPs. Looking ahead, the Program plans to advocate for the adoption of further legislative measures through public outreach initiatives and sustained expert support for the TSC. This work not only strengthens protections for IDPs but also reinforces the oversight capabilities of the Ukrainian Parliament.

USAID RADA: Next Generation experts join Ministry of Justice working group on democratic institutions roadmap

Stanislav Ivasyk, Head of the USAID RADA: Next Generation Research Department, and Alina Boiko, Senior Expert on Post-War Recovery and EU Accession at the Program, joined the working group meeting on November 15 to develop the Roadmap for the Functioning of Democratic Institutions. The Verkhovna Rada approved the Program’s recommendation to focus the Roadmap on updating legislation governing the Accounting Chamber of Ukraine. However, it declined the proposal to gradually implement best practices for post-legislative scrutiny (PLS) and Parliamentary oversight during martial law, citing wartime constraints. The next meeting, set for November 22, 2024, will focus on presenting and discussing the draft Roadmap’s substantive content.

USAID RADA: Next Generation advances youth engagement in Parliamentary education through “We are Lawmakers!” game

From November 15 to 21, the NGO Educational Policy Development Agency, in partnership with the Parliamentary Education Center, surveyed participants of the All-Ukrainian simulation game “M-18: We are Lawmakers.” The survey, titled “Awareness of Parliamentarians,” aims to deepen young people’s understanding of MPs’ work and the functioning of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Beyond gathering insights into students’ opinions and perceptions, the survey seeks to enhance their awareness of the significance of legislative activity. The findings will provide valuable input for improving the simulation game and fostering youth engagement in political and legislative initiatives.

USAID RADA: Next Generation enhances Parliamentary oversight through expert-led workshop on post-legislative scrutiny

On November 18-20, USAID RADA: Next Generation, in partnership with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, held a three-day workshop titled "Post-Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) as an Effective Tool for Legislative Assessment," with representatives from all Parliamentary committees participating. PLS helps Parliaments evaluate whether laws are implemented effectively and are achieving their goals, using this analysis to improve legislation. The RADA Program strengthens committees' expertise and capacity for oversight projects. International experts Franklin de Vriese, Maria Musmuti, and Marko Vujacic, led sessions on OSCE guidelines, global and Ukrainian oversight practices, challenges under martial law, and strategies for effective data use and stakeholder engagement.

USAID RADA: Next Generation improves VRU communication capacities on Ukraine’s recovery

On November 18, USAID RADA: Next Generation facilitated the first training session hosted by the Verkhovna Rada Committee on State Building. The session, titled "Advocating for Change: How to Cover Recovery and Rebuilding Effectively," was part of the workshop "The Recovery Legislative Framework: How to Analyze, Communicate, and Cover Recovery and Rebuilding Processes." The seminar brought together media representatives and NGOs focused on Ukraine’s recovery. Olena Shulyak, Chair of the Committee, shared insights on the legislative framework guiding the country’s recovery and reconstruction efforts, including a draft law in preparation for submission to Parliament.

USAID RADA: Next Generation helps VRU develop unified information system of social sector On November 20, the VRU Committee on Digital Transformation, supported by USAID RADA: Next Generation, hosted a public hearing on the draft law "On the Unified Information System of the Social Sector" (Reg. No. 11377, dated 24.06.2024). The event aimed to engage stakeholders in a discussion of and gather proposals for the draft law. Attendees included MPs Larysa Bilozir, Halyna Tretyakova, Head of the Committee on Social Policy and Protection of Veterans' Rights, Oksana Zholnovych, Minister of Social Policy, Kostiantyn Koshelenko, Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Pavlo Bortnikov, Deputy Minister of Veterans' Affairs, and representatives from the Ukrainian Parliament's Commissioner for Human Rights, government agencies, businesses, social organizations, and the public. All proposals received will be summarized in a report and published on the Committee's website.

USAID RADA: Next Generation supports industrial park reform, addressing wartime challenges and future development

On November 21, the VRU Committee on Economic Development, supported by USAID RADA: Next Generation, hosted a roundtable titled "Three Years of Industrial Park Reform: Challenges of Working During Wartime and Prospects for Further Development." The event brought together members of the Ukrainian Parliament from three factions and two committees, representatives from the Ministry of Economy, regional military administrations, local self-government, and business associations. More than 15 regions participated either in person or online. The discussion featured a presentation on legislative changes affecting industrial parks, including the draft law "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine to Improve the Functioning of Industrial Parks" (Reg. No. 12117). Attendees also shared experiences from regions and local communities where industrial parks are thriving, with an opportunity for participants to ask questions to their peers, MPs, and Ministry representatives.

USAID RADA: Next Generation promotes inter-Parliamentary cooperation between Ukraine and Austria

From November 18-20, USAID RADA: Next Generation supported a short-term internship for the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine's (VRU) Research Service at the Austrian Parliament, in collaboration with RLW. The second iteration of the internship focused on internal relations between departments of the Austrian Parliament and differences in the functioning of the RSVRU and RLW. Oleksandr Kolosov, a representative of the RSVRU, presented on the workings of the RSVRU to Austrian Parliamentary staff. Khrystyna Bidonko, USAID RADA: Next Generation Program Coordinator, accompanied Kolosov and participated in discussions to strengthen ongoing cooperation between USAID RADA: Next Generation and the Austrian Parliament’s Division for Parliamentary Cooperation.

USAID RADA: Next Generation helps VRU to modernize digital infrastructure and improve budget process

USAID RADA: Next Generation hired developers to modernize the Verkhovna Rada’s digital infrastructure. The first focuses on improving the Citizen's E-Cabinet Portal, a vital platform for citizen engagement, offering tools like petitions, public consultations, and discussions on legislative initiatives. These updates aim to make public participation more accessible and effective. The second agreement targets upgrades to the Unified Automated System for Document Management, specifically in relation to the state budget process. This modernization will streamline budget preparation, particularly for the second reading, ensuring greater efficiency and accuracy.