Ukrainian parliament delays introduction of a new lobbying legislation by 8 months
Source: National Agency on Corruption Prevention
Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada has put on the back burner the Law “On Lobbying” for eight months, arguing a wide public awareness campaign is needed to explain the new policy’s provisions.
Under amendments made through the Final Provisions of the State Budget Law for 2025, the Lobbying Law—initially effective as of March 2024—will now come into force on September 1, 2025, while the Transparency Register, a core component of the law, is expected to get off the ground by May 2025, 14 months after the law takes effect.
The National Agency for Corruption Prevention (NACP) welcomed the delay, noting it provides an opportunity to make the public and stakeholders aware of the law’s requirements and ensure its smooth introduction.
Introduced in January 2024 as the draft bill “On Ethical Lobbying” (No. 10337), the Lobbying Law was identified by the European Commission as a prerequisite for Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations. However, its adoption has been met with criticism.
Over 60 civil society organizations voiced concerns, warning that the current provisions of the law could potentially restrict freedoms and undermine democratic principles in Ukraine.
Prominent civil activist Vitaliy Shabunin – he leads the Anti-Corruption Action Center – criticized the law, arguing that it fails to address unethical lobbying practices. He also pointed to the situation when Zelensky’s chief aide Andriy Yermak has unofficial advisors who may soon claim more influence than some Ukrainian ministers.
Amendments to Ukraine’s enforcement proceedings legislation, initiated by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, have entered into force. Among other measures, the reform provides for the automated lifting of attachments on bank accounts immediately after debts in enforcement proceedings have been fully settled. The main practical benefit for citizens is the complete elimination of the need to contact an enforcement officer in person and wait for paper decisions once the debt has been paid.
The 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade has received another batch of supplies as part of Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front military initiative. This time, the military received seven quad bikes and four mobile shower and bath units.
In my previous column, I wrote about social innovations in Ukraine. Those innovations are part of civic resilience and the democratization of security, which Europe is paying close attention to right now. The EU is trying to work out how to spread responsibility for its own security across society as a whole, rather than leaving it to institutions alone. It is looking for concrete ways to bring ordinary people into the work of defense and resistance.
Petro Poroshenko’s lawyers have appealed to the High Anti-Corruption Court demanding that NABU be obligated to register proceedings regarding the fact of exerting influence on the court and to recognize Petro Poroshenko as a victim in the case of the Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Iryna Mudra, due to her pressure on Supreme Court judges who were considering a lawsuit to overturn sanctions.
Internationally recognized brands and financial institutions should direct capital to Ukraine now, not waiting for the hostilities to end. This was emphasized by Rinat Akhmetov, president of FC Shakhtar, during a working visit to UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, where he met with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.