OSCE supports bilateral meeting of parliamentary service of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro parliaments
The OSCE Mission to Montenegro and OSCE Mission to Bosnia supported and facilitated a bilateral meeting between the parliaments of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro on 19 September 2017 in Podgorica to strengthen bilateral co-operation between the services.
During the meeting, 17 parliamentary service staff members exchanged information about the legislation process, research and document management. Discussions included examples of successful practices in administrative and procedural work, as well as recommendations and opportunities for future joint initiatives.
"The work of the parliamentary services is at times forgotten and even hidden behind the political context of this institution. Yet it is exactly this kind of work that is the main “engine” of the institution, without which it could not run," said Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Maryse Daviet. “The legislation process and the work of the research and education centres are vital services both for the decision makers and the overall working of the Parliament."
Aleksandar Jovićević, Secretary General of the Parliament of Montenegro, said that this meeting was an opportunity to explore possibilities to strengthen the efficiency of parliamentary services. "In order to perform their legislative, supervisory and representational role in a responsible and efficient manner, parliaments have to develop not only working processes which are more effective but also modern methods of two-way communication with the public. This is where the challenges lie."
The parties agreed to continue to co-operate and identify future steps in the process.