On July 1, 2025, the Czech Republic enacted its first-ever law on lobbying activities (Act No. 168/2025 Coll.). The legislation defines lobbying, mandates the registration of lobbyists, introduces requirements for reporting interactions with public officials, and establishes transparency oversight mechanisms.
This development marks a significant step in the institutionalization of lobbying across the European Union, where legislative regulation of such activities remains uneven despite mature democratic systems.
Ukraine Among the Frontrunners
Against this backdrop, Ukraine is demonstrating a systematic approach to implementing transparent lobbying practices. The country adopted its Law on Lobbying in December 2023, with full implementation scheduled for September 1, 2025, following the launch of the Transparency Register, which is currently under development.
This timeline positions Ukraine — an aspiring EU member — ahead of several current EU countries in terms of regulating lobbying at the legislative level.
What About the Rest of Europe?
Countries that have adopted lobbying laws include:
- France (Sapin II Law, 2016)
- Ireland (Regulation of Lobbying Act, 2015)
- Austria, Slovenia, Lithuania, Italy, Hungary, Poland, and Romania — all of which have some form of lobbyist registration and limited oversight mechanisms
- At the EU level, the European Parliament and European Commission maintain a Joint Transparency Register, though registration is voluntary
Countries still lacking comprehensive lobbying legislation include:
- Germany, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Croatia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and others
Many of these countries rely on informal or partially regulated lobbying practices, with discussions on formal laws still ongoing.
For Ukraine, which aims to be a full-fledged member of the European political and economic community, transparent lobbying regulation is not only a European integration requirement but also a pillar of internal institutional development.
GR Consulting supports the development of an open and professional GR market in Ukraine and helps clients navigate the evolving legal framework for public-private engagement.
