In his opening address, National Assembly Deputy Secretary General Radoslav Vujovic commended the workshop as a way to exchange experiences, help further develop the National Assembly’s capacities and learn about international best practice examples. He stressed that the National Assembly continues to work on boosting the professionalism and strengthening the capacities of its support service. Vujovic said that the format of the reports independent bodies submit to the National Assembly needs to be standardized so as to facilitate their further processing by the Assembly committees.

Thomas Bridle, international consultant for parliamentary oversight, presented the international best practice examples of parliamentary oversight and cooperation between parliaments and independent state bodies. In his address, Bridle listed the key recommendations such as the need for the independent bodies’ reports submitted to the National Assembly to fit the needs and expectations of their users at the Parliament also adding that the National Assembly should take a more active role in defining how the independent bodies should report their findings and recommendations. Speaking of relevant international standards and practices, Bridle opined that the National Assembly should offer clear instructions on how the independent bodies should report to it and supply the capacities necessary. He stressed that the National Assembly, among other things should set up a working group for direct cooperation with independent bodies which should define the general standards and guidelines on how the independent bodies should report their conclusions and recommendations to the National Assembly. He added that report summary, clear recommendations, monitoring of implementation and constant communication between the National Assembly and independent bodies are the most important for the preparation of suitable reports.

The workshop was attended by MPs, National Assembly staff and representatives of the civil sector.