Strengthening parliamentary oversight: Eastern Partnership perspectives and OSCE practices

Parliaments play a central role in holding governments accountable. By examining government decisions, public spending and how laws work in practice, they help ensure that public institutions serve the people they represent.

ODIHR is organizing a two-day conference to explore practical ways to strengthen parliamentary oversight. Participants will exchange experiences from across the OSCE region, with a particular focus on Eastern Partnership countries, and discuss how parliaments can make effective use of their oversight powers.

The conference will examine ways to involve the public, draw on the expertise of independent institutions and follow up on oversight findings. It will also consider how parliaments can maintain effective scrutiny during periods of reform and uncertainty.

The event is part of ODIHR’s Stronger Democratic Institutions in Eastern Partnership Countries project, funded by the European Union.

Participants will discuss:

• Maintaining effective parliamentary oversight alongside lawmaking and other parliamentary responsibilities
• Applying international standards and practical tools to scrutinize government action
• Involving citizens, civil society and the media in oversight processes and making findings accessible
• Working with audit institutions, ombudspersons and anti-corruption bodies while respecting their independence
• Reviewing whether laws are implemented and achieve their intended results, including their impact on different groups in society

The discussions will help identify lessons learned and opportunities for further co-operation and support.

The conference will bring together parliamentarians, parliamentary staff and experts from across the OSCE region, with a particular focus on Eastern Partnership countries.

For further information, please contact Oleksandra Garshyna, ODIHR Associate Project Officer, at Oleksandra.Garshyna@odihr.pl.