Parliamentary Cooperation

Appendix 2: Projects on Parliamentary Cooperation

Four complementary projects are funded within the framework of the SP QSP for WTI. Each project is run by an NGO. The activities range from (i) the development of parliamentary tools for legislation, (ii) relations with NGOs in the draft legislation phase, (iii) inter-parliamentary training, visits and exchange programmes, and (iv) MP Network in South Eastern Europe.

1. "Democratic control: Education programme for Parliament and Parliamentary staff".
   This project aims at providing parliamentarians and parliamentary staff with knowledge and tools, enabling them to demand transparency and hold governments fully accountable in the areas of defence and security. Activities include regional and country workshops on the role of Parliaments and security issues.
   
   
2. "Parliament and Civil Society in SEE: Legislatures and Citizens".
   This project aims at developing a true, active working relationship between Parliaments and NGOs in SEE. Activities include civil society feedback on draft legislation and public debates, between NGOs and parliamentarians, focusing on issues identified by the parties concerned.
   
   
3. "Promoting Parliamentary cooperation in SEE: An Action Plan".
   This project aims at providing information and transferring skills to parliamentarians in relevant specialised committees including parliamentary practice and procedure, the fight against corruption, and the protection of the cultural heritage. Activities include country workshops and regional conferences for parliamentarians and parliamentary staff, for young parliamentarians and women parliamentarians, as well as exchange visits to parliaments in the SEE region and in the EU.
   
   
4. "MP Network for SEE".
   This project aims at strengthening policy formulation and implementation of the Stability Pact objectives in the region, particularly on inter-ethnic relations, European integration and economic issues. Activities include three yearly conferences of which two are in the SEE region and one parliamentary hearing in the EP. In addition, activities include monitoring of national parliaments and holding of regional steering committee meetings.