In November 2024, leaders of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Ukrainian Parliament) and the European Parliament met in Lviv, Ukraine, for the 11th Jean Monnet Dialogue (JMD). These dialogues strengthen inter-faction collaboration and build the consensus necessary to maintain democratic parliamentary culture and cross-party trust in Ukraine, as well as support the Ukrainian Parliament's ability to deliver on the Ukrainian people's priorities. NDI and the European Parliament worked with the Verkhovna Rada to facilitate and host the 11th JMD, which is the first such dialogue to be held since Ukraine’s European Union (EU) membership negotiations began in June. 

Bringing together 36 participants, including Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk and 13 Members of Parliament (MPs) from various non-majority factions, the 11th JMD bolstered Ukraine’s commitment to democratic principles and Euro-Atlantic integration. Parliamentarians agreed to measures to increase parliamentary transparency of the Verkhovna Rada and to adopt legislation securing opposition rights in the parliament, and they reaffirmed their commitment to hold elections only after martial law has been lifted. These agreements, signed by all parliamentary leaders, demonstrated commitment across political factions to parliamentary reforms and moving the country towards the EU.

Participants recognized the progress that has been made towards fulfilling commitments made at the previous JMD, held in April 2024. Milestones include the partial restoration of journalists' access to the Verkhovna Rada; the reinstatement of Question Hour (an opportunity for MPs to ask questions to the government ministers, including the Prime Minister), which has helped to strengthen parliamentary oversight; and the improvement of international travel processes for parliamentarians. The dialogue also reaffirmed commitments to involve MPs, including those from opposition factions, in EU negotiation groups to ensure cohesion between parliament and the government as Ukraine prepares for EU accession. 

Building on previous rounds, the 11th JMD produced a detailed roadmap for upcoming parliamentary initiatives. These include developing legislation governing the opposition; improving the legislative regulation of procedures for initiating, reviewing, and adopting European integration draft laws; and ensuring effective parliamentary oversight of the government's policy formulation and implementation. 

“I applaud the commitment of the leadership of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine together with faction and group leaders to assuring an on-going democratic reform program - first and foremost for Ukraine itself and additionally as an essential step towards European Union accession. Our 11th Jean Monnet Dialogue in Lviv marks a further step in responding to today’s needs and in contemplating future challenges.” - Pat Cox, former President of the European Parliament, co-facilitator of JMD.

The outcomes of the 11th JMD will help Ukraine to preserve democratic governance and continue Euro-Atlantic integration despite Russia’s full-scale war against the country.  With the support of NDI and the European Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada agreed to implement key agreements before the next JMD, scheduled to take place in spring 2025. For eight years, the JMD platform has provided a unique space for Ukrainian parliamentarians to engage in cross-party cooperation and unified decision-making during this critical point in Ukraine’s history. Given the political challenges facing Ukraine, NDI and the leadership of the Verkhovna Rada and the European Parliament agreed to implement key agreements before the next JMD, scheduled to take place in spring 2025. 

NDI's engagement with this program is implemented with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS).

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NDI is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental organization that works in partnership around the world to strengthen and safeguard democratic institutions, processes, norms and values to secure a better quality of life for all. NDI envisions a world where democracy and freedom prevail, with dignity for all.