On September 1, 2025, the Law “On Lobbying” entered into force in Ukraine, and the Lobbyists’ Transparency Register began operating. From now on, activities aimed at influencing decision-making are regulated, accountable, and carried out according to clear rules.
Lobbying has been officially recognized in Ukraine as a legal form of interaction between business, civil society, and government. The law institutionalizes this process, ensuring transparency and accountability to society. This step not only strengthens democracy and the rule of law but also brings Ukraine closer to the standards of the European Union.
At the same time, lawyers, attorneys, and financial experts initiated the establishment of the National Association of Lobbyists of Ukraine (NALU). Its activities are aimed at developing and implementing high professional standards, protecting the rights and interests of its members, and fostering constructive dialogue with state institutions, the business community, and civil society organizations.
An important goal of the Association is also to promote a culture of openness and ethics in lobbying activities and to represent Ukrainian lobbying at the European and international levels.
Oleksiy Shevchuk, Chairman of the Board of NALU and Head of the Information Policy Committee of the National Association of Advocates of Ukraine, emphasized:
“Lobbyist is a new profession in Ukraine. This means that large companies entering the country’s reconstruction process now have professional managers who will support investments and protect their interests. Business has received transparent support.”
According to Shevchuk, all members of NALU undergo an integrity check by the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP).
“Lobbyists who are part of NALU meet quality and professional ethics standards. This means they can be engaged in supporting large investment projects. We are moving toward building a civilized society,” he stressed.
The Association is also stepping onto the international stage: Ukrainian lobbyists will be able to officially register in the United States and the EU and sign contracts with investment funds, banks, and professional associations.
Oleksandr Kamenets, President of the European Facilitation Platform, became the representative of NALU in Brussels. He emphasized that the main principle of lobbying in the EU is transparency: “Transparency is the key word and the main motto of lobbying activities in Europe. Today, more than 15,700 entities are registered in the EU Transparency Register – and this is the standard Ukraine should strive for.”
Oleksandr Kamenets also outlined the key tasks of the Brussels office: “Our main task is to establish direct dialogue with the institutions of the European Union – the Parliament, the Commission, the Council, as well as professional associations in Brussels. This is the best place to promote the interests of Ukrainian business and present lobbying as a new, transparent profession in Ukraine,” he noted.
The creation of NALU and the implementation of the Law “On Lobbying” are considered important steps in bringing Ukraine closer to the European Union. This forms the foundation for a transparent and professional lobbying community that will contribute to attracting investments, strengthening democracy, and integrating Ukraine into the European political and economic space.
