Parliamentary development

The European Centre for Representative Democracy (ECRD) takes a forward-thinking, integrated approach to parliamentary development. Our focus combines traditional capacity-building methods with innovative strategies to address contemporary challenges. 

The ECRD's approach combines democratic principles with modern tools and an emphasis on inclusivity and sustainability. Our approach ensures that parliaments are not only responsive to the needs of their citizens but also resilient in the face of future challenges, driving lasting democratic change.

Here's how our approach is unique:

1. Inclusive and participatory methods

  • People-centered development: We emphasize connecting parliaments with the communities they serve, ensuring that citizens' voices are heard and reflected in policymaking.
  • Stakeholder engagement: By working with civil society organizations, marginalized groups, and youth networks, we promote inclusivity in parliamentary processes.
2. Institutional strengthening with modern tools

  • Digital transformation: We help parliaments adopt digital tools for transparency, such as e-petition systems, live-streamed sessions, and digital platforms for citizen interaction.

  • Data-driven decision-making: By leveraging big data and analytics, we enhance parliamentary oversight and informed policymaking.

3. Post-legislative scrutiny (PLS)

  • We specialize in PLS, ensuring laws achieve their intended impact through systematic reviews of implementation and outcomes.

  • Our support helps parliaments establish robust mechanisms to monitor legislative performance.

4. Focus on resilience, adaptability and strategic foresight

  • Crisis preparedness: We train parliaments to respond effectively during emergencies, such as pandemics or natural disasters, maintaining democratic functions under pressure.

  • Adaptive practices: Encouraging flexibility in procedures to address evolving challenges like climate change, technology, and global crises.

  • Strategic foresight: By integrating foresight methodologies, we help parliaments anticipate future trends and challenges, enabling proactive policymaking and long-term planning. This includes scenario building, trend analysis, and preparing for disruptive innovations and shifts.

5. International best practices tailored locally

  • Global learning, local solutions: While we draw on best practices from around the world, we prioritise context-specific solutions tailored to the unique needs of each parliament.

  • Peer-to-peer learning: Facilitating exchanges between parliamentarians and staff across countries to share experiences and innovations.

6. Sustainability and long-term impact

  • Capacity building: We focus on building the internal expertise of parliamentary staff to ensure continuity and sustainability.

  • Institutional memory: Creating systems to preserve and transfer knowledge within parliamentary institutions.