The National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP), taking into account the position of business associations and representatives of the professional lobbying community regarding the premature nature of introducing the professional standard ‘Lobbying Professional (lobbyist)’, notes its support for the need to involve existing lobbying entities, business representatives and other lobbying stakeholders in the development of such a professional standard.
NACP consistently supports the objective of adopting legislation in the field of lobbying, namely to enhance the transparency and effectiveness of public authorities, their officials and civil servants in their interaction with citizens, civil society organisations, and businesses.
At the beginning of 2026, it became known that an application had been registered to develop a draft professional standard “Professional in the Field of Lobbying (Lobbyist)”. At the same time, the proposed approaches to developing this draft standard, in particular restrictions on access to the profession through requirements for educational qualifications in specific fields, mandatory professional development for lobbyists, certification, etc., contradict the concept for the development of the lobbying sector adhered to by NACP.
Currently, NACP is not involved in the process of developing the draft professional standard “Professional in the Field of Lobbying (Lobbyist)”, but will review it upon receipt in accordance with the Procedure for the Development, Implementation and Revision of Professional Standards, approved by Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 373 of 31 May 2017 (as amended).
NACP emphasises that at the current stage of the development of the lobbying institution in Ukraine, the introduction of any additional restrictions or criteria for access to the profession is premature.
NACP thanks the signatories of the statement for their active position and for promoting the development of the lobbying institution in Ukraine on the principles of transparency, ethics, and integrity, as well as for introducing best international practices and fostering an open dialogue between business and the state. Among the signatories are: the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine (AmCham Ukraine), Diia.City Union, Diia.City United, the European Business Association, the German-Ukrainian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs, Ukrtyutyun (Ukrainian Association of Tobacco Manufacturers), the Ukrainian Lobbying Association, the Ukrainian Food Retail Alliance, and the Center of Excellence in Government Relations.
