The launch of the Transparency Register and the entry into force of the Law of Ukraine “On Lobbying” are reshaping the way businesses interact with public authorities. One of the core elements of the new regulatory framework is the requirement for lobbying entities to submit activity reports. For the first time, businesses are encouraged to formalize their GR processes, structure internal documentation and align their practices with compliance standards.
The electronic account within the Transparency Register already offers a tool for preparing draft lobbying reports, allowing companies to start organizing data about their influence activities in advance. This has stimulated the development of new internal procedures, including the recording of communications with public officials, documenting the content and objectives of GR initiatives, and analysing potential conflicts of interest. Businesses that previously viewed GR mainly as an external communication function are now adapting to a more formalised and regulated model.
Early observations show that organisations with frequent public-sector engagement have begun evaluating their risks and introducing transparency and compliance policies. This involves not only legal support but also a strategic, system-level approach to planning and implementing lobbying campaigns. The public nature of the Register requires greater attention to accuracy, consistency and completeness of information submitted in reports.
The role of external GR partners is also growing. Companies without dedicated public affairs teams increasingly seek advisory support to develop internal procedures, assess compliance risks and update their interaction policies with state bodies. As a result, the Ukrainian lobbying market is becoming more structured, with rising expectations regarding the professionalism and accountability of GR consultants.
At the same time, the new reporting rules present challenges. Insufficient documentation of GR activities may lead to errors or inconsistencies in reports, which in turn may trigger monitoring procedures by the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP). To mitigate these risks, businesses must introduce internal discipline, appoint responsible officers, and adopt standardised reporting formats. International experience demonstrates that organised internal recordkeeping is the cornerstone of effective and transparent lobbying practices.
Lobbying activity reporting is not only a compliance requirement but also a mechanism for strengthening trust in policymaking. Transparent reporting enables businesses to demonstrate openness and accountability, which enhances their reputation and facilitates constructive interaction with public authorities. For the state, it creates an opportunity to improve analytical oversight and gain a clearer understanding of external influence on decision-making.
Ukraine is moving toward European standards of lobbying regulation, where reporting is an integral component of public affairs. For businesses, this introduces a new level of responsibility; for the GR market, it creates an opportunity to build modern, transparent and compliance-driven practices. The effectiveness of this transition will depend on how thoroughly companies prepare for the new obligations and how consistently they integrate the requirements of the law into their operations.
