Adoption of the Law on Lobbying: Ukraine takes a step towards transparency and democratisation

This regulation establishes clear rules for lobbyists' activities aimed at ensuring openness in the process of interaction between business and government agencies. The law is an important part of the reforms aimed at strengthening government accountability, preventing corruption and attracting international investors to the country's economic recovery.

The adoption of this law has sent a signal to the international community that Ukraine is committed to building a transparent and accountable political system that meets the best international standards. This initiative is particularly relevant in times of war, when the country needs significant support from Europe and the United States. To discuss the challenges and prospects of the new legislation, as well as to gain expert experience, the International Forum on Lobbying and GR was held in Kyiv on 5 September 2024.

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Organised by the First Lobbying Club of Ukraine LOBBY CLUB in partnership with SIC GROUP and with the support of the Ukrainian and International Associations of Lobbyists and GR Professionals, the forum brought together leading experts in the field of government communications and representatives of the public and private sectors. Special attention was paid to the experience of the United States of America, a country where lobbying plays a key role in the political system. American experts, including Kendall Coffey and Jason L. Shelton, shared their knowledge and experience on how lobbying can become a powerful tool for Ukraine in the process of democratisation and attracting foreign investment.

Kendall Coffey: ‘Lobbying in the US is a fundamental element of the political system’

Kendall Coffey, a leading US lawyer and former US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, emphasised that lobbying is a fundamental element of the US political system. He explained that the right to lobby is enshrined in the US Constitution and is based on the right of citizens to petition the government to protect their interests. This right ensures that every citizen, business or NGO can participate in the political decision-making process.

‘Lobbying in the United States is a fundamental element of the political system, based on the constitutional rights of citizens to influence the government through transparent mechanisms,’ said Coffey, emphasising that this process is an integral part of American democracy.

He also emphasised that transparency is a key element of lobbying in the US. Every lobbyist is required to register his or her activities, submit reports on expenses and clients. This minimises the risk of corruption and guarantees accountability to the public. ‘This process is regulated at the legislative level, which minimises the risks of corruption and abuse. It is important that every lobbyist in the US operates in accordance with clearly established rules, which makes the system open to public scrutiny,’ Coffey said.

Coffey also focused on the ethical challenges faced by lobbying, in particular, the relationship between lobbying and fundraising. He noted that lobbying and fundraising sometimes overlap in the context of political campaigns, which can create ethical challenges. ‘Fundraising and lobbying sometimes face ethical challenges, as the involvement of large amounts of money in political campaigns can create a grey area where it is difficult to distinguish between legitimate support and potential corrupt influence,’ he explained.

Concluding his speech, Coffey noted that the US experience could be an important lesson for Ukraine in building its own transparent lobbying system. He emphasised that the introduction of similar mechanisms in Ukraine could help not only build trust in government decisions, but also help attract foreign investors.

Jason L. Shelton: ‘Lobbying in the United States is the basis for balanced policy making’

Another important speaker at the forum was Jason L. Shelton, a representative of the Biden Administration and the US General Services Administration. In his online speech, Shelton emphasised that lobbying in the United States plays a key role in shaping a balanced policy that takes into account the interests of various groups, from big business to NGOs.

‘Lobbying in the United States provides an open dialogue between business and government, which allows for decisions that balance the interests of the economy and society,’ Shelton said. He added that it is not just a tool for protecting business interests, but also a way to ensure that all voices - from corporations to individuals - are heard in the government decision-making process.

Shelton also stressed the importance of transparency in lobbying. According to him, every lobbyist in the US is required to register and submit regular reports on their activities, including detailed information on expenses and clients. This makes the process open to public scrutiny and helps minimise corruption risks. ‘Transparency is a fundamental principle of lobbying in the United States. We ensure that the interests of business and the public are balanced through clearly regulated procedures,’ Shelton said.

He also expressed hope that the US experience in regulating lobbying could be useful for Ukraine in the context of reforming its political system. ‘The introduction of transparent lobbying mechanisms will not only help attract investors, but also increase trust in government institutions,’ he added.

The importance of lobbying for Ukraine

The Forum in Kyiv showed that the adoption of the Lobbying Law is an important step for Ukraine on its way to a transparent democracy and open economy. The US experience shared by Kendall Coffey and Jason L. Shelton highlighted the importance of lobbying as a tool for ensuring an open dialogue between business and the state. This allows for balanced decision-making that takes into account the interests of different parties and helps to attract international investment, which is especially important for the recovery of the Ukrainian economy in the context of the war.

Transparency, ethics and accountability were the main themes of the forum, which opened up new opportunities for lobbyists in Ukraine and highlighted the importance of this tool for the country's further development.

Opportunities for international networking in Washington, DC, ISA

The LOBBY CLUB team and SIC GROUP are pleased to offer a unique opportunity to attend two prestigious events in Washington, DC: a business forum and a gala dinner. This trip is an excellent opportunity to establish international relations, exchange experience and expand professional horizons, opening up new prospects for business and international cooperation. For more information, please contact: +380 67 695 59 58 or contact@lobbyclub.info

Organiser: LOBBY CLUB, SIC GROUP, Ukrainian and International Associations of Lobbyists and GR Professionals.

LOBBY CLUB, modelled on the leading lobbying clubs of the USA and the UK, is a unique platform for meetings of influential people in business, politics and society. It is a place that provides its members with access to lobbying solutions, legal support and facilitates networking with opinion leaders at the international level. With offices in Washington and Kyiv, LOBBY CLUB actively participates in global processes, interacts with government officials from different countries and develops strategies for key reforms. Club members can participate in exclusive events that facilitate the exchange of ideas and strengthen professional relationships, as well as support social initiatives. 

Link to the LOBBY CLUB website: https://lobbyclub.org/

The Ukrainian Association of GR Professionals and Lobbyists, together with the International Association, which brings together leading experts from the US, UK and Europe, are actively working to develop the professional community. Over the years, the association has held more than 10 large-scale events, including three International GR Forums aimed at sharing experience and discussing topical issues in the field of public relations. It serves as a platform for dialogue between professionals, governments and parliaments, promoting the development of regulatory policy and engagement in solving the most important social challenges.

Link to the Lobby Club website: https://grukraine.com.ua/