Education is required for lobbyists, but it does not have to be in law
An education is a basic requirement for professional lobbying in Ukraine, but it does not necessarily have to be in law. This was stated by Oleksiy Shevchuk, chairman of the Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association.
According to him, the key issue is not the type of degree, but whether one has received specialized training. This can be either vocational training or a college degree in the relevant field
According to the UNLA, current lobbying legislation is framework in nature and was adopted on a tight schedule. Its implementation has already revealed a significant problem: lobbyists without proper education lack basic knowledge of the principles of state-centered governance and rulemaking.
That is precisely why, as Oleksiy Shevchuk emphasizes, a lack of education effectively makes it impossible to engage in high-quality lobbying. The technical possibility of working without the necessary training—which is currently permitted by law—poses systemic risks to the profession.
That said, a higher education is not necessarily required. In a number of industries, vocational training may be sufficient, especially if the nature of the work does not require a college degree or if a college degree is not essential for developing expertise. At the same time, the basic requirement remains the same—some form of education is required.
Separately, the UNLA emphasizes that opportunities for specialized education in the field of lobbying have already been established. Specifically, this refers to educational platforms such as institutes for strategic lobbying and the Higher School of Lobbying. These programs are designed to provide a comprehensive set of knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective work.
It is not just a matter of understanding lobbying tools, but also of being able to act as a mediator between business and the government—which is a key function of a modern lobbyist.
Thus, UNLA’s position is clear: regardless of the format—vocational or higher education—education must become a mandatory standard for everyone who plans to work in the field of lobbying in Ukraine.
