The business associations and representatives of the professional community who have signed this statement consistently support the development of a lobbying framework in Ukraine based on the principles of transparency, ethics, and good faith. We advocate for the implementation of best international practices and the establishment of an open dialogue between business and the state.
At the same time, we express concern regarding the initiative to develop a professional standard “Lobbying Professional (Lobbyist),” which provides for the introduction of new mandatory requirements for lobbying entities, in particular the completion of specialized training and additional qualification procedures, thereby creating artificial barriers to engaging in such activities.
The institution of lobbying in Ukraine is only now taking shape following the adoption of the Law of Ukraine “On Lobbying” No. 3606-IX (the Law). The Law has established a comprehensive and adequate regulatory framework that complies with international standards (OECD, EU, GRECO) and was developed and adopted, in particular, as part of Ukraine’s commitments in the process of European integration to ensure transparency in the interaction between representatives of public authorities and stakeholders in the context of lawmaking. This approach, borrowed in particular from European Union practice, does not require the introduction of mandatory professional standards or certification for lobbyists, focusing instead on transparency in the use of lobbying tools.
At the same time, it is important to emphasize that current legislation already contains the necessary safeguards and control mechanisms. In particular, the obligation to register in the Transparency Registry ensures that lobbying entities operate within the legal framework, comply with established rules, reporting requirements, and ethical standards provided for by law.
Thus, the key task at this stage is the effective implementation of existing legislation, rather than the introduction of new regulatory instruments, the necessity of which is not provided for by law and which distort the essence of the approaches established by the current law.
Consequently, the professional community does not support the adoption of a “lobbyist” professional standard, as it is inappropriate in the current context of the development of the lobbying institution, is not provided for by the Law, and contradicts the regulatory concept enshrined therein. Moreover, it creates additional barriers for businesses and public associations, carries risks of restricting competition and potentially monopolizing the market, and effectively introduces new regulatory requirements beyond the scope of the law, which contradicts the principles of deregulation.
Given this, the united business community considers the development of a professional standard and the introduction of additional requirements to be unacceptable and inconsistent with the current stage of development of the lobbying market in Ukraine, as well as undermining its foundations.
We remain open to dialogue and cooperation on the formation of an effective, transparent, and balanced lobbying regulatory system in Ukraine, based on the principles of openness, good faith, and equal access.
This statement is open for signature by other lobbying entities that support equal and independent operating conditions in the lobbying sector.
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