In his opening remarks, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr KORNIYENKO emphasised that the shared foundations of Ukrainian and European parliamentary traditions attest to the European identity of the Ukrainian people. He underlined the importance of preserving the institutional memory of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine as a means of ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of legislative activity, as well as advancing the country’s European integration aspirations. In this context, the Reference Guide “The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine: Facts and Figures,” prepared by the Research Service was presented not only as a concise overview of key milestones and significant developments in the Parliament’s work, but also as an educational instrument intended to strengthen public trust in the legislative branch.
Addressing the participants, the Deputy Secretary General of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Artem YANCHUK observed that the subject of the discussion was by no means incidental. He noted that the history of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, systematically compiled and structured by the Research Service, is particularly pertinent at this critical stage of Ukraine’s struggle for independence and sovereignty. In reflecting on the role of institutional memory, he also highlighted the experience and professional expertise of the Secretariat’s staff, whose work provides consistent and effective support to the Parliament’s legislative activity.
Benjamin BOBBE, Head of the Central and Eastern Europe Department of the Hanns Seidel Foundation, drew particular attention to the significance of the Research Service’s comprehensive consolidation of factual material relating to the activities of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. He stressed that such analytical work strengthens the Parliament’s institutional capacity, particularly in the context of approximating Ukrainian legislation to European Union law.
The moderator of the event, Lesia VAOLEVSKA, Head of the Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, drew attention to the introduction of new approaches in the Service’s work. These include closer cooperation with the European Parliament and the incorporation of best European practices, particularly in the preparation of new informational and analytical materials and reference guides. In her remarks, she stressed that the Reference Guide “The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine: Facts and Figures” is far more than a structured overview of the Parliament’s activities. Rather, it represents the starting point for shaping a modern institutional memory, promoting the ideas and symbols of parliamentary democracy, and reinforcing the shared values that unite the nation and contribute to the formation of national identity.
In his address, Anders HÅKANSSON, Head of the European Parliament History Service at the European Parliamentary Research Service, reflected on the significance of historical policy and the culture of memory as integral elements of modern parliamentary practice. He emphasised the shift from simply safeguarding institutional heritage to actively embedding it within the legislative process. Institutional memory, he noted, should be viewed as a strategic asset that sustains continuity in decision-making, ensures consistency of values, and fosters public trust in democratic institutions.
Presenting the Reference Guide, Iryna KOSTYTSKA, Head of Humanitarian and Social Policy Department, outlined its objectives and relevance, placing particular emphasis on its educational significance for parliamentarians, policymakers, civil servants, representatives of local self-government and the broader public.
Members of the First Convocation of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine – Ivan ZAIETS, Vasyl KOSTYTSKYI and Vitalii MELNYCHUK – reflected on the pivotal role of the Parliament in proclaiming Ukraine’s independence, adopting the Constitution of Ukraine, and laying the foundations of state policy and the country’s long-term development strategy.
Alvidas LUKOŠAITIS, Head of the Research Division of the Chancellery of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, analysed the transformation of the Lithuanian Parliament in the course of its preparations for EU membership. He outlined the key institutional reforms that accompanied the European integration process, with particular emphasis on the creation of specialised structures, the enhancement of post-legislative scrutiny, and the adjustment of legislative procedures to ensure compliance with EU law.
Tatiana MALAI, Head of Directorate General for Legal Affairs of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, shared Moldova’s experience in modernising parliamentary mechanisms in the context of alignment with European Union standards. She emphasised institutional renewal, the reinforcement of analytical support for legislative activity, and the refinement of parliamentary procedures in accordance with the EU acquis.
Njål HØSTMÆLINGEN, Head of the Constitutional Department of the Parliament of Norway, elaborated on the role of institutional memory as a cornerstone of stable constitutional development and the continuity of parliamentary practice. He placed particular emphasis on adherence to democratic standards, procedural transparency and the rule of law as essential foundations of an effective and credible legislative process.
The discussion was attended by Members of Parliament of Ukraine Halyna TRETIAKOVA, Pavlo FROLOV and Oleksii HONCHARENKO, alongside representatives of the academic community and staff of the Research Service.
In her concluding remarks, the Head of the Research Service Lesia VAOLEVSKA outlined the prospects for the Service’s further work in preparing informational and analytical materials designed to support the implementation of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine’s European integration agenda and to enhance the overall analytical and information support provided to the Parliament.
Participants also had the opportunity to view a documentary exhibition organised by the Central State Archives of Supreme Bodies of Power and Government of Ukraine entitled “The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine: The Beginning… 1990–1994” dedicated to the history of Ukrainian parliamentarism.
The Reference Guide “The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine: Facts and Figures” is available on the official website of the Research Service at the following link:
https://research.rada.gov.ua/documents/analyticRSmaterialsDocs/public_vl/Guide_lg-publ/77112.html
