In May 2025, the European Parliament introduced a set of new transparency standards that significantly impact GR and international lobbying practices.
As of May 5, 2025, all European Parliament staff members — from assistants and advisors to senior administrative officers — are now required to formally declare meetings with representatives of third countries, including Ukraine. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance institutional integrity and restore trust following recent international lobbying scandals.
What changes:
- Every meeting must be registered, including the date, location, organization involved, and the topic discussed.
- Only representatives officially listed in the EU Transparency Register will be permitted to participate in such meetings.
- A structured monitoring system is being introduced to track all GR-related activities involving EU institutions.
Why this matters for Ukrainian businesses and GR professionals
- This development opens a new channel of legitimate engagement with European institutions — provided transparency protocols are respected.
- It raises the bar for professional GR preparation: organizations must understand EU procedural norms, avoid communication missteps, and meet formal requirements.
- For Ukrainian advocacy groups, associations, and NGOs, this is an opportunity to be recognized as credible participants in European policymaking processes.
🔗 Source: The Good Lobby, May 5, 2025
