The European Parliament
JEAN MONNET Dialogue
Conclusions from the fourth Jean Monnet Dialogue
Lausanne, Switzerland, 25-27 March 2018
(Abstract)
For the fourth time since October 2016, the leadership and heads of factions and groups of the Ukrainian Parliament met in the format of the Jean Monnet Dialogue, being determined and committed promoters and drivers of the institutional reform of the Parliament, in line with the “Report and roadmap on internal reform and capacity building for the VRU” and with resolution 1035-VIII of 17 March 2016.
The meeting was also held to take stock of the achievements from the first three Jean Monnet Dialogues and to identify areas where concrete decisions have to be taken to implement the consensus-building strategy -- to commend therefore the appointment of an international expert to coordinate the working group and to support its decision making process.
It was ensured that all factions, groups and services of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine were fully engaged in the proceedings of the working group.
Since the next 12 months are crucial for this process, the following decisive actions must be taken:
1/On institutional procedural issues, such as suspension breaks during plenary sessions, the use of the right of legislative initiative, and the introduction of a single electronic card for members.
· Abolishing suspensions on Thursdays between 12:00 and 12:30 during plenary weeks
· Use of legislative initiative
There was consensus on the importance of limiting the increasing number of legislative initiatives, which is seriously hampering the efficiency of the VRU.
· Implementation of the single electronic card for MPs
There was consensus on the introduction of a single electronic card for MPs, from the next convocation of the VRU. This single card should be used for personal identification, registering entrance in the buildings and in the Plenary Hall and voting in plenary and committee meetings.
2/On the rights and responsibilities of the opposition, notably as regards legislation on Temporary Investigative Commissions, the equal representation in the new Central Election Commission.
Since the constructive participation of opposition factions in the debates and proceedings is an asset for the Parliament, its credibility, sustainability and representativeness, it ought to be ensured that factions not belonging to the coalition can play their full role within the VRU.
· On the Temporary (interim, ad hoc) Investigation Commissions (TIC)
As the VRU has never adopted special legislation on the TIC, the absence of a proper legal basis has hindered the potential of the VRU to fully play its oversight role on matters of public interest. The possibility to request TIC is an essential tool for all factions.
· On the representation of political forces at the Central Election Commission
The Central Election Commission is a key body which enables preparation and holding of elections. Since it plays a crucial role in the democratic life of the country, its members and staff must show the highest degree of independence, professionalism and commitment to the public interest.
3/On the topics for discussion at the next Jean Monnet Dialogue
Parliamentary committees are one of the key instruments significantly contributing to the efficient work of the VRU. There was consensus that not only decreasing the number of parliamentary committees would help increasing the efficiency of the VRU but also defining their competences and scope of responsibilities, increasing the role of the sub-committees and allowing MPs to be members of more than one committee.
Also, there were held extensive, frank and constructive talks on the draft legislations regarding the electoral reform and the creation of a High Anti-corruption Court. For further expertise on the matter, the Venice Commission will be turned to.
Andriy PARUBIY, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
Serhii SOBOLIEV, deputy head of Batkivshchyna faction
Artur GERASYMOV, head of Petro Poroshenko Bloc faction
Andriy TETERUK, first deputy head of People's Front faction
Yaroslav MOSKALENKO, head of People's Will group
Oleh LIASHKO, head of Radical Party
faction
Oleh BEREZIUK, head of Samopomich faction