The Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association publishes an official explanation of the terms “transparency, integrity, ethics” as the basis of lobbyist’s activities

The Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association, acting as a professional regulator and participant in the formation of an ethical culture of lobbying activities, provides clarifications on the terms “transparency, integrity, ethics” in order to ensure a unified approach to the interpretation of key concepts of the Law of Ukraine “On Lobbying”.

Lobbying in modern Ukraine is moving from behind-the-scenes practices to an open, regulated and publicly understood professional activity. The adoption of the Law on Lobbying and the introduction of the Transparency Register have created a new reality in which values and standards are not just requirements, but the basis of trust between the government, business and the public.

The terms “transparency,” “integrity,” and “ethics” are the basic categories on which the new model of legal lobbying in Ukraine is based. They define the standards of interaction between lobbying entities, government agencies, business and the public, and establish the framework of professional behavior provided for by the law and relevant bylaws, in particular the Rules of Ethical Conduct for Lobbying Entities and the Regulation on the Transparency Register.

Transparency: the basis of an open dialog is publicity of processes, clearly defined rules and accessibility of information. The openness and honesty of the lobbying entity’s behavior guarantees that influence is not exercised “behind closed doors” but in a controlled, understandable and verifiable environment.

Transparent operations mean:

• recording lobbying entities, their clients and areas of influence in the Transparency Register;
• open public access to data on who influences government decisions and how;
• regular reporting on meetings, expenses, and performance;
• compliance with the requirements of the Law and the rules of ethical behavior.

Transparency is a way to protect the public process from manipulation and abuse, as well as a way to develop a European culture of interaction.

Integrity: The reputational capital of a professional is moral integrity. It is the ability to act honestly even when circumstances suggest otherwise. For a lobbyist, integrity is of key importance: it determines whether he or she will be trusted as an equal participant in the process or perceived as a person with ulterior motives.

An honest lobbyist:

• does not hide its intentions and acts transparently;
• performs duties within the law and professional standards;
• is aware of its responsibility to citizens;
• takes into account the social impact of its work.

This is the moral force that builds a professional reputation for years.

Ethics: The internal compass of the profession is not just about following the rules. It is an internal worldview that determines how a lobbyist makes decisions and what he or she prioritizes, and it is about respect, responsibility, transparency and honesty in every interaction.

An ethical lobbyist is someone who does not just follow the norm, but is guided by principles, protects the dignity of the profession and builds trust as a strategic resource that transforms lobbying from an instrument of influence into a culture of civilized partnership.

Professional ethics of lobbyists is more than a legal requirement, it is a professional code without which it is impossible to maintain trust, maintain reputation and act responsibly in an environment where every decision is of public importance.

In today’s environment, transparency, integrity and ethics are not only the basis for effective interaction, but also a guarantee of a mature democracy. They provide what society needs: honest dialog, predictability of processes, and confidence that decisions are made in the interests of the state and citizens.

The explanation of Iryna Shapovalova, a practicing lawyer and Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association, becomes a reliable guide for those who seek to combine professional skills with the principles of transparency, integrity and ethics, building trust and promoting compliance with legal culture standards in building lobbying activities.

Clarification of 20.11.2025 No. 1