»I am delighted that the Danish Parliament can help Ukraine in this way. The Danish Parliament has an excellent track record in this field. There are strong democratic traditions in Denmark, and we have previous experience of attending the birth of new democracies,« says speaker of the Danish Parliament, Søren Gade. 

The cooperation has developed in response to a request from the Ukrainian Parliament, Verkhovna Rada. The Ukrainians have specifically asked for support and advice about establishing parliamentary procedures in connection with their Finance Act and meeting conditions for induction into the EU.  

Contacts have been established directly between the Danish Parliament and Verkhovna Rada and through an organisation of European parliaments. 

»By taking the initiative, the Ukrainians have shown that they are determined to improve the democratic system in their country. It is important that the Danish Parliament helps Ukraine to joining the European family,« says Søren Gade.

Countries hoping to accede to the EU are required to conform with the so-called Copenhagen criteria that include guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and a free market economy.  

Ukraine is a relatively young nation whose democracy is far from perfect. Among other shortcomings, the country is plagued by corruption. However, in their latest Corruption Index (2023), Transparency International, an organisation dedicated to fighting corruption, reported that the Ukraine is making progress.