Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association Welcomes the Appointment of Oleksiy Shevchuk to the Competition Commission for SAP Leadership Selection and Calls for Ensuring Independence of the Procedures

The Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association (UNLA) warmly welcomes the appointment of the Chair of its Board and spokesperson for the National Association of Advocates of Ukraine, Oleksiy Shevchuk, to the Competition Commission for the selection of the leadership of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP). This decision represents an important step toward ensuring transparency and professionalism in the competitive procedures of key institutions within Ukraine’s anti-corruption system.

UNLA emphasizes that the participation of a representative from the professional advocacy and lobbying community in the Commission helps strengthen public trust in the process of forming SAP leadership and aligns with the principles of broad professional representation and proper legal procedure. We note that involving specialists from the professional lobbying sector, who are experienced in navigating the complex challenges at the intersection of business, government, and civil society, is a vital element of institutional balance.

At the same time, UNLA stresses the need to refrain from any external pressure on the prosecutorial bodies and members of the Competition Commission. The Association insists that competitive procedures remain free from undue influence by activists, manipulations, or discrediting media campaigns that undermine trust in institutions and in the selection process itself.

UNLA recalls the importance of ensuring that decisions shaping the leadership of the anti-corruption hierarchy are made based on impartiality, transparency, and professional expertise, without conflating professional advocates with their clients or other involved parties. Such approaches are critically important for building an effective anti-corruption architecture and for strengthening trust in Ukraine’s legal system.

The Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting the development of democratic procedures and standards in public policy, including promoting the role of professional associations in competition mechanisms that determine the future of key state institutions.