How to make democracy a reality in Ukraine and, most importantly, how quickly can it be done? This was the question discussed by the leading European and Ukrainian reformers during the meeting. They considered the previous national successes and the role of national parliaments in supporting concrete reform in young European democracies.

 

Moving fast on the reform agenda of the country's first democratic institution is crucial: the Verkhovna Rada serves as not only the legislative body, but also plays a key role in budgetary matters. It oversees the executives, appoints the key state officials, and acts as a representative and dialogue forum of the first rank.

 

"Ukraine's Euromaidan revolution was inspired by citizens' desires both to establish accountable, democratic governance, and to move closer to the European Union through the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. A strong and effective parliament is the foundation of a durable and responsive democracy. For these reasons, through the Rada for Europe project, the European Union will leverage expertise and best practice from across the EU to enhance the Verkhovna Rada. This is another example of the importance we attach to successful implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement", said Ambassador Hugues Mingarelli, Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine.

 

"Reform of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is one of the most critical assignments, which we face today," said Andriy Parubiy, Speaker of the Vekhovna Rada of Ukraine.

 

"By turning challenges into drivers for reforms, we believe that 'Rada for Europe' will bring Ukraine closer to Europe for more balanced and responsible decision making, open governance and public participation," said Cihan Sultanoğlu, assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (RBEC).

 

Launched in June 2016, "Rada for Europe", EU-UNDP project will support the Ukrainian Parliament's evolution towards a modern, democratic institution over 2016-2018, notably through reforming its procedures and operational processes, modernising its administration and secretariat, and improving the mechanisms for dialogue with citizens and civil society.

 

Ultimately, the Parliament will become a more transparent and open institution, delivering higher quality and more responsive legislation both in substance and in form, and providing effective and non-partisan services internally and to all Ukrainian constituents. As an institutional role model, it is expected to spearhead the implementation of all democratic reforms across Ukraine and help meet the requirements of the Association Agreement with the European Union.

 

Check out the recommendations of the European Parliament's Needs Assessment Mission to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine led by Pat Cox on internal reform and capacity-building for the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.