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Building a strategic partnership with the European Parliament

From May 30 to June 3, Igor Kogut, the USAID RADA: Next Generation Program (RANG) Director, traveled to Brussels to hold meetings and consultations with MEPs, representatives of political groups, and the European Parliament Secretariat.

During the meetings, the parties coordinated their activities in order to:

  1. strengthen the capacity of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in the field of approximation of Ukrainian legislation to EU law;
  2. strengthen the democratic potential of the Ukrainian parliament;
  3. to raise awareness of the MPs of Ukraine and the VRU Secretariat about the activities of the European institutions that shape policy and cooperation on Ukraine's membership in the EU.

In particular, Igor Kogut met with the Secretary General of the European Parliament (2009-2022) Klaus Welle, who expressed his readiness to cooperate for the sake of a democratic Ukraine.

"He has created a powerful system of parliamentary administration based on values, as well as ensured the creation of an effective research service, the best translation service, and much more. He is interested in Ukraine, comes to Ukraine, and is ready to share his experience and knowledge with us," said Igor Kogut.

Since April 2022, the USAID RADA: Next Generation Program has been strengthening the European integration capacity of the Ukrainian parliament. RANG promptly responded to the request of the VRU leadership by providing 70 tailor-made workshops for the newly established sub-committees on EU integration to ensure efficient knowledge transfer and enhanced the VRU's understanding of EU integration processes.

In collaboration with the European Centre for Parliamentary Research and Documentation (ECPRD), RANG facilitated the study visits of the Ukrainian Parliamentary Research Service (PRS) members to the parliaments of Austria and the Czech Republic to ensure the implementation of best democratic practices during Ukraine’s recovery from the war. With USAID assistance, the PRS and VRU Secretariat will be able to ensure neutral, evidence-based, high-quality support across a wide spectrum of complex and diverse issues.