The USAID RADA: Next Generation Program (RANG) facilitated an inter-parliamentary dialogue between Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (VRU) members and the US Congress to strengthen democracy protection. On May 7, 2023, RANG facilitated a meeting in Rzeszow, Poland, which brought together members of the US Congress, led by Chairman of the House Democracy Partnership (HDP) Vern Buchanan, and representatives of factions and groups in Ukraine’s Parliament.
The members of Parliaments discussed war challenges for Ukraine and further assistance from the United States. In particular, the Ukrainian MPs called on their colleagues to strengthen cooperation in order to intensify military support and bring Russia to justice for its war crimes as soon as possible. According to the MPs, this will help restore international justice and strengthen the position of democracy in the world.
The meeting also helped the Ukrainian MPs strengthen their partnerships and learn from the US experience regarding interactions with voters, particularly town hall meetings arranged by phone. The USAID RADA: Next Generation Program enhanced its collaboration with HDP, related to the exchange experience between the research services of Congress and Verkhovna Rada and parliamentary committees to strengthen VRU oversight capacities.
The meeting helped RANG arrange important contacts to strengthen VRU Secretariat's capabilities and plan the exchange experience with the Congressional Budget Office and Congressional units responsible for digital innovations in Congress to implement best practices in Parliament’s operation.