One of the foundational methods legislatures use to promote democratic governance is drafting laws based on objective research, and Parliamentary Research Services (PRS) play a crucial role in this process. These services are the primary institutions that support legislators by providing fact-based research products tailored to address issues at the heart of their constituents' needs. Legislatures require an independent source of non-partisan research for members to make informed decisions. Research services operate independently from partisan politics, with a mission to research topics objectively. 

The PRS institutes of Albania, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, and North Macedonia play a vital role in helping legislators pass more informed laws and better represent their constituents. Parliamentary research services are at the “front lines of providing support and information to parliamentary services.” Each institute has received support or collaborated with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) drawing on the Institute’s experience and connections to build out these critical services. Most have done this working directly with the U.S. Congress' House Democracy Partnership (HDP), a bipartisan commission of the U.S. House of Representatives that works with and supports parliaments worldwide to bolster democratic institutions. NDI works closely with the HDP to support legislative strengthening and capacity building. 

While in different stages, in each of the participating countries, efforts are underway to strengthen the capacity of parliamentary research. NDI began its support to North Macedonia in 2010 working to provide training and resources to improve the quality of research it put out. Then having success with this model it did similar programming in Kyrgyzstan in 2023. Similarly, NDI also worked with the already-established Moldovan research service to build out their program and improve the quality of their research and support to Members of Parliament (MP).  NDI also worked closely with HDP to support Albania when it decided to create its research service in 2020 and is now working with the Assembly of Kosovo to strengthen its research service which was started in 2023. While each country was different and had its own unique challenges, NDI successfully leveraged its experience helping each research service ensuring good practices and lessons learned were carried over.

Complementing these national efforts, the Institute organized a visit to Skopje, North Macedonia, in June, to bring together research services staff from these five countries to share experiences and learn from international experts. The meeting also featured staff from the U.S. Congressional Research Service, researchers from the German Bundestag and a researcher from the Czech research services. The workshop allowed participants to exchange knowledge on challenges and share lessons and success stories. Delegates discussed the unique context in which each research service operates, including budgetary constraints, maintaining objectivity, building partnerships, how technological innovations can be integrated within research services, and opportunities for greater regional cooperation. Participants expressed satisfaction with the program and appreciation from gaining the perspective on how each research service had adapted to issues regarding staffing, interactions with members, and how each research service, no matter how established they are, has learned a great deal of innovation within the research field.

In democracies around the world, research services play a uniquely powerful role in generating objective, reliable research, and serve as an example regarding the importance of building legislation that is based on reliable information. Research institutes serve as an example of the necessity of collaboration between legislatures and researchers that play a necessary role in enhancing people's faith in their institutions, instilling confidence in the democratic process. By working with non-partisan parliamentary services, civil society organizations, and government officials in Albania, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, and North Macedonia, NDI and HDP strive to help the staff and institutions involved in research services to fulfill their objectives of contributing to legislation that can better the lives of constituents. By focusing on fostering relationships and processes that encourage collaboration, discussion, and adaptation, NDI, HDP, and our partners believe that the process of capacity building and democratization surrounding the budget process can continue to evolve and improve in North Macedonia and other regional parties for years to come.

Author: Robert McDonald, Program Associate for the Democratic Governance team

NDI's engagement with this program is implemented with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the House Democracy Partnership (HDP).

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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.