January 2025 was expected to mark a historic milestone in regulating lobbying activities in Ukraine — the official enactment of the Law of Ukraine “On Lobbying Activities.” However, in late 2024, the government decided to postpone the implementation of the law until no later than September 1, 2025.
Why does Ukraine need a lobbying law?
Transparent lobbying is a key reform commitment Ukraine undertook as part of its European Union integration process. Law No. 3620-IX, passed by the Verkhovna Rada on February 23, 2024, introduces clear rules for open interaction between business, civil society, and government institutions. Key provisions include:
- mandatory registration of lobbyists in a Transparency Register;
- regular disclosure of meetings, expenses, and beneficiaries of influence;
- adoption of ethical standards and reporting procedures.
The adoption of this law enabled Ukraine to move away from the more controversial “anti-oligarch law,” which was criticized by the European Commission for potentially concentrating excessive power in the hands of certain authorities.
Why didn’t the law take effect in January?
The law was initially set to take effect no later than January 1, 2025, or two months after the Transparency Register is launched. However, in November 2024, as part of the state budget approval process, the Verkhovna Rada amended the Final Provisions of the law, postponing its implementation to September 1, 2025.
The key reasons for this delay include:
- Lack of budgetary funding for IT infrastructure and register development;
- Need for international technical assistance, including from USAID;
- Additional time required for public awareness campaigns, the development of ethical standards, and institutional readiness.
What is the status of the Transparency Register?
The National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP), which is responsible for the Register’s development and administration, has confirmed that technical work is underway, with full deployment expected by August 2025. An IT contractor is developing the software system, supported by international donors.
Simultaneously, NACP is preparing key regulatory materials: reporting templates, ethical guidelines, registration instructions, and audit procedures.
What does this postponement mean?
On the one hand, this delay provides stakeholders with valuable time to prepare for the reform. For the first time in Ukraine’s history, GR and lobbying practices will be subject to clear regulatory standards, similar to those already operating in the EU and U.S.
On the other hand, the delay raises concerns over political will and the genuine readiness to ensure transparency in public decision-making.
This transitional period provides opportunities for:
- businesses and NGOs to adapt to compliance requirements;
- government bodies to develop oversight mechanisms and train staff;
- international partners to evaluate reform progress as part of Ukraine’s EU accession roadmap.
Conclusion
Although the lobbying law did not formally take effect in January 2025, this period marked an important turning point. The legal framework is now in place, and political decisions, donor support, and public expectations all point to a clear commitment to bringing Ukraine in line with international lobbying transparency standards.
GR professionals, legal advisors, businesses, and civil society organizations should begin preparing now — through integrity policies, internal compliance frameworks, and strategic reviews of areas where lobbying will need to occur in a lawful, structured, and ethical manner.
Sources:
- Law of Ukraine “On Lobbying Activities” No. 3620-IX
- Statements and updates from the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (December 2024 – January 2025)
- GRECO and European Commission assessments
- Analytical overview by CFC Big Ideas
