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.