The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of the 9th convocation has a historic mission to prepare the country for full-scale accession to NATO and the European Union.
This was stated by the Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Olena Kondratiuk in an interview with the Telegraph online media outlet.
“It is the Parliament that needs to adopt a lot of laws adapted to the legislation of the European Union. It is the Parliament that needs to prepare for negotiations with the parliaments of NATO countries. Because the parliaments of 31 countries have to approve the decision and implement Ukraine’s accession to the status of a full member of NATO,” said Olena Kondratiuk.
The Vice-Speaker reminded that Ukraine has to go through the same ratification procedure in the EU parliaments to join the EU. Therefore, the role of parliamentary diplomacy is of particular importance.
In addition, Olena Kondratiuk emphasised the need for strategic work aimed at the future.
“A lot will depend on the breakthroughs at the front, and we all pray that our guys will move forward. But it is important that we, together with the Government, ensure an economic breakthrough in the rear. These are the two components that will determine how the future of Ukraine will develop,” said Olena Kondratiuk.
The Vice Speaker noted that against the backdrop of social changes brought about by the war, the Parliament may have to work on a new social contract, which should rethink the issues of security, justice, education, restoration and fullness of power for the people.
“Therefore, the subjective Parliament in a parliamentary-presidential republic, please do not forget this, will have a lot of work to do,” summed up the Vice Speaker Olena Kondratiuk.