Parliamentary News:

Verkhovna Rada makes several decisions during its September 17-19 plenary sessions

Notably, MPs:

• Approved customs reform, including re-certification of all employees, a transparent competition for the head of the State Customs Service, and salary increases (#6490d).
• Ratified a Framework Agreement with the French Government for the construction of modular hospitals (#0287).
• Ratified a Framework Agreement with the French Government to modernize breast cancer diagnosis and treatment (#0288). Parliament also approved laws:
• On the information and communication system “State Agrarian Register” (#11063d).
• On rating in the financial sector (#5819).
• On the privatization of state-owned banks (#11474).
• On the mandatory publication of estimates with specific prices for construction materials on Prozorro (#11057).
• On amendments to the Code of Ukraine on Bankruptcy Procedures and other legislative acts regarding the implementation of Directive 2019/1023[WS2] of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, introducing preventive restructuring procedures (#10143).
• Renaming 327 settlements (#12043).
• Approving the VRU award for young people's contribution to the development of parliamentarism and local self-government (#9410). In the first reading, they:
• Amended criminal legislation following the ratification of the Rome Statute (#11484).
• Adopted a new law on public procurement (#11520).
• Increased taxes by UAH 58 billion for this year (#11416d).
• Improved procedures for conducting medical and social expertise (#11225).
• Provided measures for emergency prevention and response, including the establishment of civil defense facilities and safety centers (#11345).
• Amended the procedure for military service under contract for foreigners and stateless persons (#12023).
• Approved the reform of the Accounting Chamber (#10044d). Also, the Verkhovna Rada heard the report of the Temporary Special Comission on investigating potential violations of Ukrainian legislation concerning the financing of treatment and rehabilitation of military personnel in medical institutions (#11542).

The final decision of the day was the dismissal of Mariana Bezuhla from her position as Deputy Head of the Defense Committee. She was transferred to the Committee on Foreign Policy.

Minister of Finance presents to MPs the draft of the State Budget-2025

On September 20, the Minister of Finance of Ukraine, Sergii Marchenko, presented the draft law “On the State Budget for 2025” to the Parliament. This is the third budget prepared during the full-scale invasion, with the main priority being to ensure the country's security. The forecast for 2025 assumes real GDP growth of 2.7%, a consumer price index of 9.5%, and an average monthly salary of UAH 24,389. The main parameters of the budget have been agreed with the International Monetary Fund. Prior to that, on September 18, the Verkhovna Rada increased the budget for 2024 by UAH 500 billion to finance military needs.

Draft State Budget-2025 provides for a 26.2% increase in salaries for employees of the Verkhovna Rada

According to the new draft law “On the State Budget for 2025,” the salaries of employees of state bodies, including the Verkhovna Rada, will be increased by 26.2%. This was announced by MP Nina Yuzhanina. This increase will compensate for the rise in the military fee from 1.5% to 5%, so that employees of these bodies are not significantly affected by changes in the tax burden.

Program news:

USAID RADA: Next Generation conducts Forum for Democracy Lawmaking to strengthen Parliamentary democracy in face of Russia’s war

On September 16, USAID RADA: Next Generation held a Forum for Democratic Lawmaking for Democracy Day. The event aimed to deepen understanding and highlight the significance of democratic lawmaking in the modern era, particularly under the challenges of martial law in Ukraine. It facilitated dialogue and exchange of knowledge among MPs, experts, and civil society representatives, underscoring the essential role of inclusive and transparent legislative processes. The event brought together more than 130 participants, including the leadership of the Verkhovna Rada, MPs, the VRU Secretariat, experts, representatives of civil society organizations, and international technical assistance programs. The program included a series of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and case study sessions. The participants explored democratic lawmaking and the evolving role of Parliamentary democracy in the 21st century, the challenges of public participation, transparency, and the role of digital tools, and shared insights on how to enhance citizen engagement in the legislative process, especially in times of conflict.

USAID RADA: Next Generation helps lawmakers better understand and implement Law on Lawmaking Activity

On September 19, USAID RADA: Next Generation supported the presentation of the Scientific Commentary on the Law of Ukraine “On Lawmaking Activity,” an event led by the Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada. Leading legal scholars and practitioners, offering comprehensive guidance on applying and interpreting the law, developed the practical manual. VRU Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, MPs, legal experts, and representatives from civil society, joined the event. The commentary will serve as a key reference for MPs and legislative staff, helping to ensure that future lawmaking aligns with EU standards and best practices. By facilitating this presentation, USAID RADA: Next Generation contributed to strengthening the capacity of the Verkhovna Rada and its legislative function. This event also deepened the collaboration between the Program and RSVRU in building Ukraine's institutional capacities for governance.

USAID RADA: Next Generation donates more than 300 pieces of computer, audio, and video equipment to RSVRU to strengthen its institutional capacity

On September 20, USAID RADA: Next Generation conducted the official opening of the physical premises of the Training Center of the VRU Research Service and transferred more than 300 pieces of computer, office, audio and video equipment. During the event, a new annual working plan was signed between USAID RADA: Next Generation and the RSVRU, formalizing the framework for future cooperation. The new equipment will enhance the training capabilities of the center, allowing it to deliver high-quality training sessions to MPs and their staff. The newly established center will serve as a hub for ongoing professional development, particularly in areas related to legislative reforms and EU integration.

USAID RADA: Next Generation conducts training on EU integration for MPs

On September 20-21, USAID RADA: Next Generation conducted training on EU integration for MPs, titled “Role of the VRU in the European integration of Ukraine. Basics of the negotiation process with the EU: practical aspects.” The training aimed to enhance MPs' negotiation skills regarding the legislative reforms critical to Ukraine's EU accession. International experts, including Primož Vehar from Slovenia and Vladimir Medjak from Serbia, shared best practices based on their countries' experiences. The agenda focused on key aspects such as EU institutions, negotiation steps, legislative harmonization, and constitutional challenges. A total of 40 VRU staffers participated, gaining practical insights into aligning Ukrainian legislation with EU standards. The sessions emphasized the importance of Parliamentary reform, oversight, and diplomacy. This event significantly strengthened MPs' capacity to navigate the complexities of EU accession and contribute to Ukraine’s integration process.​