OSCE Mission to Montenegro trains parliamentary staff on practices of democratic law making

What procedures need to be followed in drafting primary legislation and what steps Parliament should take in considering proposed legislation – were the topics discussed at the workshop on practices of democratic law making and Parliament’s oversight role, organized by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro on 24 and 25 May in Podgorica.

Around 15 parliamentary committees’ staff continued the discussion with two Mission’s experts initiated in November 2022, further enhancing their skills in drafting and reviewing legislation. They also discussed the role of Parliament in the EU integration and in considering reports of independent institutions.

Opening the workshop, Dominique Waag, Head of Mission, stated that the principles of democratic law making are embedded in the OSCE commitments. “Legislation should be well-defined, transparent, streamlined and enforceable, developed through a democratic process, which is open, inclusive, and consultative, while upholding human rights. Law-making, when done well, reinforces fight against corruption and good governance. Good laws are simply the result of good law-making procedures,” said Ambassador Waag.

She added that transparent and accountable laws increase public trust in democratic institutions. “The three elements of lawfulness, fairness and transparency overlap, but it is important that laws satisfy all three,” said she.

Strengthening Parliament’s legislative and oversight functions, which includes enhancing professional capacities of parliamentary staff, is an essential part of the Mission’s work in support of democratic processes in Montenegro.