How the Law “On Lobbying” has changed the rules of the game in Ukraine for Government Relations (GR): Iryna Shapovalova, member of the UNLA Board

With the entry into force of the Law of Ukraine “On Lobbying,” the landscape of political representation has undergone fundamental changes.

What used to be known as Government Relations (GR) has virtually ceased to exist in the classical sense, giving way to a highly regulated institution of lobbying.

Historically, these concepts were distinguished by their scope:

Government Relations (GR) was viewed as strategic reputation management and long-term relationship building with government agencies. It was a soft power that included social responsibility, participation in advisory boards and expert support.

Lobbying was considered a narrower tool – direct influence on a specific bill or decision to obtain benefits for the customer.

Why does GR legally “no longer exist”? Since 2025-2026, the legal line between “building relationships” and “influence” has disappeared. The Law of Ukraine “On Lobbying” defined any activity aimed at influencing a public authority to adopt or prevent the adoption of a regulatory act as lobbying.

Legal justification:

Definition of the object: Any communication with a government official aimed at changing legislation is now subject to the law. Trying to call it “GR-management” does not exempt from liability.

Transparency Register: From now on, any person who systematically interacts with the authorities in the interests of business is required to be registered in the Transparency Register. Without registration, such activities are illegal.

Reporting: The law requires clear reporting on the subject of lobbying and sources of funding. Former “informal GR meetings” are now qualified as a violation of the rules of ethical behavior.

Thus, GR as a gray area of non-public communication has been eliminated. Any professional dialog between business and the state on regulations is now considered lobbying by law.

Why has lobbying become a key issue for Ukraine in 2026? Legalization of lobbying was one of the key requirements of the European Commission for Ukraine’s accession to the EU. It is a de-oligarchization tool that replaces “backroom deals” with a transparent market for advocacy. In 2026, during a period of large-scale recovery, international investors need clear rules of the game. Legal lobbying allows them to officially articulate their needs regarding the investment climate without risking their reputation due to corruption allegations.

Politically, lobbying has become a tool of professional expertise. Government agencies often do not have sufficient resources for in-depth analysis of sectoral issues. Professional lobbyists provide this expertise, but now under the supervision of anti-corruption bodies and the public.

In Ukraine in 2026, the term “GR” has become an archaism, reminiscent of the days of opaque connections. New legislation has turned chaotic influence into a civilized industry. Lobbying is no longer corruption, but a constitutional right to representation of interests realized through strict legal procedures. Businesses that have not adapted to work within the Transparency Register find themselves outside the legal field.

GR in Ukraine died the moment influence became accountable. Today, lobbying is the only honest language of dialogue between business and the state, where every word should be recorded in the Transparency Register.

So, lobbying is GR that has come out of the shadows and finally spoke the language of law. The National Association of Lobbyists of Ukraine has changed backstage whispers into official reports, and now in the new Ukraine lobbying is not a privilege of the elite, but a tool of professionals.

Iryna Shapovalova