What Is Ukrainian Lobbying Like Today?
The Ukrainian lobbying market is undergoing a period of systemic transformation. The model, which was dominated by informal advocacy, backroom deals, and “shadow” bills, is gradually becoming a thing of the past.
Instead, a different architecture is taking shape—one that is transparent, procedural, and results-oriented, aligned with European approaches to the interaction between business and government.
Weeding Out Shady Bills
The key focus is on eliminating the practice of “shadow” lawmaking.
These are bills with no clear history of origin, no formalized stakeholders, and no public accountability for their content.
The new logic provides for:
- transparent ownership of the initiative,
- the customer’s stated position,
- structured work through committees,
- public or formal communication.
This improves the quality of legislation and reduces the risk of corruption.
No advocacy in the field of public administration
Position of Principle:
There can be no informal advocacy when it comes to changes in the work of government agencies.
Any influence on public policy must be exercised exclusively through professional lobbying channels.
This means:
- the existence of a clear mandate,
- the drafting of a bill or a policy position,
- the official handover to the deputies,
- further progress through parliamentary procedures.
In fact, advocacy is transforming into a regulated lobbying market.
P2P → MP Formula
The basic operating model of modern Ukrainian lobbying is P2P → MP.
- P2P (professional-to-professional):
Lobbyists work with the client, lawyers, and experts to draft a high-quality bill. - → MP (Member of Parliament):
The document is submitted to members of parliament, who assume political responsibility for it and work to advance it.
This model provides:
- a clear division of roles,
- transparency of the process,
- the absence of informal “middlemen.”
Proven effectiveness
This model is already being used in practice.
One example is a bill aimed at preventing lawyers from being equated with their clients in criminal defense cases.
It was:
- a document has been prepared,
- submitted to Parliament and its committees,
- Legal support was provided,
- A media campaign was carried out.
The result was 271 votes in favor in the Verkhovna Rada.
As of now, the document is awaiting the President’s signature.
Two Development Priorities for 2027
Lobbying in Ukraine follows two clear guidelines:
- Zero tolerance for informal advocacy
Any influence on government agencies must be exerted solely through lobbying. - Full implementation of the P2P → MP model
As the baseline standard for market operations.
