OFFICIAL PUBLIC APPEAL of the Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association on the unacceptable interference of the NACP in the independence of the lobbying profession
The Ukrainian National Lobbyists Associationstrongly protests against the actions of the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption, which, without any consultations with the professional community, without the participation of the regulator of the profession, public organizations and associations uniting lobbying professionals, has published a document aimed at actual monitoring and control of the self-governing profession of lobbyists.
Such unilateral steps of the NACP contradict the basic principles of public governance, violate fundamental standards of independence of professional self-government and set a dangerous precedent for interference of a state body in the activities of a newly regulated profession.
The lobbying profession is a part of the state’s democratic infrastructure that ensures openness, transparency and participation of stakeholders in the formation of public policy. The independence of the profession is a prerequisite for its functioning and an important element of guarantees for society.
The Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association calls:
1. Immediately stop the further promotion and implementation of the NACP document, which was prepared without proper consultation with the professional community and the regulator of the profession.
2) Urgently convene an open professional working group with the participation of the UNBA, representatives of other lobbyists’ associations, public associations, experts and international partners to agree on the necessary amendments.
3. To return to the principles of good governance, openness, transparency and compliance with the requirements of the Law of Ukraine “On Lobbying” regarding the role of a self-governing regulator of the profession.
4. 4. Refrain from any actions that undermine the independence of the profession and create risks of undue influence of state authorities on the activities of lobbying entities.
The Ukrainian Lobbyists’ Association is open to dialogue, cooperation and professional participation in the development of regulations on the regulation of the lobbying profession. At the same time, we insist that no decisions on the professional activities of lobbyists can be made bypassing the regulator, without professional discussion and transparent procedures.
We call on all professional communities, associations, experts and partners to support this appeal and join the joint defense of the independence of the lobbying profession in Ukraine.
Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association
