Serhii Kolisnyk emphasized that lobbying is not only a political tool for advancing the interests of individual companies or organizations but also an important indicator of the maturity and openness of Ukrainian society

The event was organized by LOBBY CLUB in cooperation with SIC GROUP and supported by the Ukrainian and International Associations of Lobbyists and GR professionals. The forum focused on the challenges and opportunities of lobbying during the war and in the post-war recovery of Ukraine. It also addressed the adoption of the new "Lobbying Law," which aims to ensure transparent relations between business and government, enhance the country's investment appeal, and contribute to anti-corruption efforts.

The new law creates favorable conditions for Ukrainian companies and international investors by offering clear and transparent rules for all market participants. This is especially important given the ongoing armed conflict, making economic recovery critical. Experts from various fields discussed the role of lobbying as a tool to stimulate development, attract international aid, and revive the economy.

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During the first panel discussion of the International Forum on Lobbying and GR in Ukraine, fundamental questions about the development of lobbying in the country were raised. Speakers explored the role of lobbying in economic growth and discussed how clear legal mechanisms could foster productive cooperation between business and government. The main topics included transparency and ethical standards, essential for the effective functioning of lobbying amidst Ukraine's reforms and modern challenges.

The session was moderated by Serhii Kolisnyk, head of LOBBY CLUB, who began by emphasizing the importance of openness and transparency in lobbying. Kolisnyk noted that the recently passed Lobbying Law marked a key step in legalizing this activity, making it an official and transparent part of business-government interactions. He continued with a historical overview of lobbying development in other countries, particularly the U.S. and the U.K., highlighting the importance of international experience for successfully adapting lobbying practices in Ukraine.

Anastasia Zernova, lawyer and former head of a department at the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP), was the first to join the discussion. She pointed out that the adoption of the Lobbying Law is one of the most significant steps toward democratizing the interaction between business and the state. Zernova emphasized that the development of this law in Ukraine was based on international obligations and best practices from other countries, which helped create an institutional framework for lobbying. She also noted that while the law is still in its basic form, it opens the door for further improvements, which could significantly impact transparency and accountability in this area.

Following Zernova, Olesya Olenytska, director of corporate relations at Kyivstar, expanded the discussion by focusing on the practical aspects of lobbying in the context of the current economic challenges, particularly during wartime. She stressed that lobbying should not only be viewed as a tool for achieving business goals but should also serve as an important means of maintaining dialogue between business and government. In her view, lobbying is crucial for economic stabilization and recovery in times of crisis. Olenytska also warned that excessive regulation of this field could slow down the decision-making process, which is essential for economic stability and a swift response to challenges.

Shifting to the development of local communities, Pavlo Kozyrev, head of the Association of Small Towns of Ukraine, focused on the role of lobbying at the local level. His presentation centered on decentralization and the importance of transferring the administration of property taxes from central authorities to municipalities. Kozyrev emphasized that this step would enable towns to manage their resources more effectively, improve infrastructure, and create favorable conditions for local economic development. He provided examples of how local-level lobbying can directly improve citizens' quality of life through more efficient use of local resources.

The discussion then moved from local lobbying to national challenges in the field. Viktor Zaliznyuk, head of the GR practice at the law firm ABER HABER, highlighted that lobbying is a natural component of the economic system in every developed country. He stressed that clear legislative regulation of lobbying is essential for ensuring transparency and fairness in relations between the state and business. Zaliznyuk also pointed out that this process should be constantly open to improvement, as markets and society evolve, and the rules of engagement must evolve with them.

Further deepening the discussion, Halyna Yanchenko, a member of the Ukrainian parliament, focused on the role of lobbying in attracting investments and protecting investors. She shared her experience leading the parliamentary special commission on investor rights protection. Yanchenko stated that lobbying can be an essential tool for improving Ukraine’s investment climate, thereby promoting economic growth and attracting foreign capital. She also stressed that in the context of global competition for investments, Ukraine needs to create the most transparent and fair conditions for investors, achievable only through constructive cooperation between business and government.

Wrapping up the discussion, Oleksandr Seryohin, former member of the NACP and deputy head of the Secretariat of the High Council of Justice, shared his vision of how lobbying should be regulated in the context of public administration. He emphasized the need for transparency and clear regulation of interactions between business and state structures. According to him, lobbying should not only serve as a tool for achieving business goals but also contribute to economic growth by implementing state initiatives and attracting foreign investors. Seryohin stressed that only transparency in lobbying can ensure trust in government processes, which in turn stimulates economic development.

Thus, the discussion highlighted the importance of a comprehensive approach to lobbying in Ukraine, with each speaker's presentation complementing the previous one, revealing different facets of this multifaceted activity. All participants agreed that a solid legal framework, transparency, ethical standards, and cooperation between business and government are key elements of success for the future development of lobbying both in Ukraine and internationally.

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/