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

There was agreement amongst the majority of factions and groups, to consider abolishing suspensions on Thursdays of plenary weeks, with a view to improving the operational efficiency in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

•       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. In fact, we acknowledge that the excessive use of legislative initiatives is a way of obstructing the efficiency of the legislative process.

Several factions support new procedures and criteria in order to reduce the number of draft laws and instead allow for additional resources to be allocated to improving the quality of draft laws. In this context, it will be necessary to inform the public about the need to improve the quality of draft laws by moving towards more targeted and higher quality legislative initiatives that deliver results instead of solely measuring the work of parliamentarians according to the ever increasing quantity of legislative activities.

We believe that, to a large extent, we can achieve our goals by implementing our already existing system with immediate effect. We encourage all factions to put the VRU Rules of Procedure into practice, allowing filtering mechanisms to be fully implemented as they were intended. Concretely, the existing legal provisions on obligatory submission of calculations on financial and economic consequences of adoption of a draft law, should be upheld. The VRU Secretariat also plays an important role and should conduct a thorough analysis of each piece of proposed legislation to ensure that it is not a duplication of (or in contradiction with) the body of national legislation.

We believe there is a need to raise awareness of the consequences that proposed draft legislation can have, as it sometimes can put in jeopardy our institutional reputation.

•       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. It was proposed to launch a pilot of some elements of such a single card in the current convocation.

We consider that such a tool will raise awareness amongst Members of the importance of their attendance whilst bringing about a more positive public image of our parliamentary activities and responsibilities.

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.

We are of the conviction that the constructive participation of opposition factions in the debates and proceedings of the VRU is an asset for our Parliament, the credibility and sustainability of its work, and its representativeness. We therefore endeavour to ensure that factions that do not belong to the coalition can play their full role within the VRU. Indeed all modem parliamentary systems must allow both coalition and opposition to play their full roles in respect of the mandate given by the citizens for the parliament to deliver legislative results that improve their livelihoods.

•       On the Temporary Investigation Commissions (TIC)

We note that the VRU has never adopted special legislation on the TIC, despite the provisions of article 89 of the Constitution. The absence of a proper legal basis has hindered the potential of the VRU to fully play its role of oversight of the executive on matters of public interest. We therefore acknowledge that the possibility to request TIC which can effectively function and deliver is an essential tool for all factions, in the coalition and in the opposition.

•       On the representation ofpolitical forces at the Central Election Commission

The Central Election Commission is a key body which enables preparation and holding of elections in Ukraine. Representation in this Commission should reflect the one of the political forces in the Verkhovna Rada. Since it plays a crucial role in the democratic life of our country, by overseeing all elections-related matters, its members and staff must show the highest degree of independence, professionalism and commitment to the public interest.

Consensus among all factions and groups must prevail over political rivalries when it comes to the appointment members of the Central Election Commission.

3/ On the topics for discussion at the next Jean Monnet Dialogue

Parliamentary committees are one the key instrument significantly contributing to the efficient work of the VRU. The role of the committees is crucial for the legislative process and oversight of the executive.

We reached consensus that not only decreasing the number of parliamentary committees would help increasing the efficiency of the work 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. In order to further the work on strengthening the competences of committees, we instruct the Working Group to put together a concept paper on such possible options.

We also held extensive, frank and constructive talks on the draft legislations regarding the electoral reform and the creation of a High Anti-corruption Court, both texts awaiting second reading. As regards the High Anti-Corruption Court, we will turn to the Venice Commission for further expertise on the matter in the second reading.

Last, we will write a joint letter to МЕР Elmar Brok to express our deepest gratitude for his continued and dedicated support to Ukraine.