The seminar "Improving Parliamentary Efficiency: The Role of Research Services in the Process of European Integration" was held in Kyiv to mark the third anniversary of the establishment of the Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. The event was attended by the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk, First Vice Speaker Oleksandr Korniienko, heads of parliamentary committees, MPs, representatives of the Verkhovna Rada Secretariat, research services and secretariats of parliaments of other countries.
In his welcoming remarks, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada noted the significance of the Research Service's three-year activity, emphasising its contribution to the work of the Parliament and the quality of its decisions. "The analytics of the Research Service helps the Parliament to make informed decisions in the difficult conditions of war and to move towards European integration. In this process, the exchange of knowledge between parliaments is extremely valuable. It allows us to find solutions that strengthen not only Ukraine, but also the whole of Europe," said Ruslan Stefanchuk.
He also stressed that parliamentarians are working to improve legislation, especially in the area of national security and defence. "The peacetime constitution did not stand the test of war, so we are faced with the task of forming a new concept of defence, protection and restoration," the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada added.
During the event, Ruslan Stefanchuk presented diplomas of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and letters of appreciation to the Research Service staff.
In his turn, First Vice Speaker Oleksandr Korniienko stressed that the role of the Research Service cannot be overestimated, as its analytical support allows the Parliament to work more efficiently and make quality decisions. He emphasised that despite the challenges of war, the need for research is only growing: "The challenges facing the Parliament cannot be overcome without research and serious analytics. It is this work that helps us to develop high-quality draft laws and form approaches that will meet European standards."
"The work of the Research Service is an important support for the development of legislation and the formation of an effective foreign policy of Ukraine," said Oleksandr Kopylenko, Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Legislative Support and Control over the Diplomatic Service, welcoming the participants of the event. He stressed the importance of analytical and research work for effective lawmaking. Oleksandr Kopylenko also noted that the results of the Research Service's activities help to make informed decisions in the field of foreign policy and inter-parliamentary cooperation.
Lesia Vaolevska, Head of the Verkhovna Rada's Research Service, welcomed the participants and foreign guests - representatives of the European Parliament and research services from Slovenia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania and Italy. "It is valuable for us to exchange experience and discuss ways to improve the efficiency of parliaments," said Lesia Waolewska. She also said that a tradition has been established to leave notes in the book of honour of the Research Service's guests.
The seminar was attended by Michał Kaminski, Vice-Marshal of the Senate of the Republic of Poland, a long-standing partner of Ukraine and one of those who helped launch the Research Service. In his speech, he emphasised the importance of the parliamentary tradition for Ukraine and Poland, stressing its significance in countering russian aggression. "Freedom is what distinguishes us, Poles and Ukrainians, from russians. You and we have a parliament that gives citizens the right to control the government and even change it with a single vote. This is what the kremlin is most afraid of. Your professionalism and the work of the Verkhovna Rada are the best proof that Ukraine belongs to the European and Western family, not to the russian sphere of influence," said Michał Kaminski.
He also expressed his belief that Ukraine's victory will guarantee the security of the whole of Europe: "This is not only your war. This is a war for Poland and the entire free world. Our common task today is one: victory. The victory of Ukraine".
Jonathan Murphy, Head of the INTER PARES Programme, which co-organised the seminar, in his speech noted the importance of the Research Service's work for the development of Ukraine's democratic parliament, especially in the context of war and large-scale reforms. He stressed that analytical support is critical for effective decision-making and transparency in public administration. Jonathan Murphy paid special attention to Ukraine's preparations for the post-war period, emphasising the need for strategic planning and reform of key areas of legislation.
Alvydas Lukošaitis, Head of the Research Division of the Chancellery of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, quoted Karl Popper's words that institutions should be like fortresses and emphasised that research services are the ‘brain centre’ of parliament.
«Without your support, wisdom and analytical information, political decisions could remain merely formal. There are many challenges ahead, and your work helps to overcome them,» he said.
Alvydas Lukošaitis also delivered a letter of thanks from Algirdas Stončikas, Secretary of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, to Lesia Valevska, Head of the Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. He emphasised that the partnership between the research departments of the Ukrainian and Lithuanian parliaments, based on trust, opens up prospects for new joint projects and will contribute to the democratic development of both countries.
Štěpán Pecháček, Director of the Parliamentary Institute of the Chancellery of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, noted the importance of analytical and research support for the effective work of the parliament. "The research service provides the parliament with knowledge and impartial information that allows it to make decisions that truly protect the principles of democracy and human rights," said Pecháček, congratulating the team on its third anniversary.