Reinforcing partnership with the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine

The briefing took place on 30 May 2024. One of the main objectives of the USAID “RADA: Next Generation” Program is to promote the development of inter-parliamentary dialogue, diplomacy, and partnerships, which will mobilize support around Ukraine and improve internal parliamentary procedures and the legislative process. International IDEA became one of the USAID “RADA: Next Generation” Program partners on 1 April 2024.

On 6-9 June 2024, approximately 373 million of eligible voters across 27 EU member states will vote in the elections to the European Parliament. This makes it a larger ballot than the upcoming presidential elections in the US in November. “Whereas the European Parliament elections were considered of less relevance than national elections in the past, the EU has become increasingly important in recent years, especially to fight global and regional crises, such as the Covid-pandemic, the climate crisis, energy shortages, and of course to provide support to Ukraine,” said Sam Van der Staak, Director of Regional Europe Programme.  

The briefing, which was attended by over 85 participants, including Oleksandr Korniyenko, Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, focused on how to build effective channels of interaction between the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the European Parliament after the elections and how to deepen this partnership for a successful integration of Ukraine into the European Union. During the briefing, International IDEA experts Sam Van der Staak, Charles Brasseur, and Vera Pachta introduced the procedures and rules pertinent to the upcoming changes in the EU political landscape, including in the leadership of the EU institutions. They also spoke about possible configurations of the European Parliament after the elections. 

The briefing was attended by the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Heidi Hautala (Greens/EFA), who assured her Ukrainian colleagues of the unwavering support of the EU: "The European Parliament has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine, and I don't think that cooperation with the Verkhovna Rada will deteriorate in the near future. Of course, there can be certain challenges after the elections, but we are ready to reach a compromise with all political groups in the center."  

Complete results of the 2024 elections to the European Parliament will be announced in the evening on Sunday, 9 June, when the polls close and votes are counted in all 27 EU member states. The results of the elections will have a direct influence over the negotiations of the EU leaders on the candidates for the positions of the President of the European Commission, President of the European Council, and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP).