The Head of the NACP advocates for a swift introduction of legislative regulation of lobbying and parliamentary ethics to reduce the risks of political corruption in Ukraine

The word “lobbyism” still evokes mostly negative emotions in Ukrainian society. For many years, old politicians imposed a negative attitude towards this mechanism through various manipulations. We were told that this is corruption. However, legislatively regulated lobbying is one of the key tools for advocacy of private interests in a democratic society. Another important tool for preventing political corruption is a formalized code of parliamentary ethics.  This was emphasized by Oleksandr Novikov, Head of the NACP, during the meeting with the President of the High Authority for the Transparency of Public Life Didier Migaud 

He added that most of the developed countries of the world have legislative regulation of lobbying. And the example of France will be very useful for Ukraine, since the legal framework of this country allows the official registration of lobbyists in the parliamentary register, which provides numerous advantages. In France, lobbyists can be officially involved in consultations during the discussion of draft regulations.  This ensures transparency of such processes. Oleksandr Novikov emphasized that the Anti-corruption Strategy until 2025 adopted by the Parliament of Ukraine provides for the development and adoption of a law on lobbying.

“In order to prevent corruption in the legislative process, it is necessary to form effective legislation on lobbying. Therefore, the Anti-corruption Strategy provides for the development of a law on lobbying. This will help to show who is trying to influence the authorities, and will increase healthy competition in business. This law becomes especially important in the framework of the post-war recovery of Ukraine, when foreign investments for reconstruction will begin to flow into our country” – , said Oleksandr Novikov.

It is worth noting that the adoption of effective legislation on lobbying and the regulation of parliamentary ethics are the recommendations of the Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO), which Ukraine must implement in order to successfully pass the evaluation within the framework of the fourth round on the topic: “Prevention of corruption in relation to MP’s, judges and prosecutors”.

Also the Head of the NACP together with his French colleague discussed the importance of promoting the values ​​of integrity among public servants. Oleksandr Novikov noted that integrity is an integral part of the fight against corruption and the culture of public service.

“Integrity is one of the key values ​​of the European Union. Therefore, on our way to EU membership, it is important to implement standards of ethical behavior of public servants. This is what is emphasized in the Anti-corruption Strategy. At the same time, spreading the principles of integrity should not be limited only to the public service, it should become a norm in society and we should strive for it”, — added Oleksandr Novikov.