Ukrainian lawyers, financial experts, and advocates have joined forces to establish the National Association of Lobbyists of Ukraine (NALU), aimed at promoting investments and protecting business interests. The announcement was made by Oleksiy Shevchuk, attorney, head of NALU’s board, and chair of the Information Policy Committee of the National Bar Association of Ukraine (NAAU).
“Lobbying is a new profession in Ukraine, now officially represented by NALU. It opens a major professional field to all and provides critical support for businesses. Lobbyists facilitate the development of investment projects and guide large companies entering Ukraine’s reconstruction,” Shevchuk said at a press conference held by Interfax-Ukraine.
Currently, NALU has 20 members. The official state Transparency Register of Lobbyists, maintained by the National Agency for Prevention of Corruption (NAPC), lists over 30 individuals. NALU exclusively unites individual lobbyists who meet strict standards of integrity and compliance.
“NAPC ensures that lobbyists adhere to ethical standards and do not violate lobbying laws. Members of NALU meet the profession’s quality requirements, making them qualified to manage major investment projects. This is a step toward building a more civilized society,” Shevchuk added.
He emphasized that in the past, law enforcement agencies sometimes misused their authority when handling investment projects or bills requiring business input.
“Now, lobbyists act as official managers representing business interests, legally and transparently,” he said.
Shevchuk also noted that Ukrainian lobbyists can register in the United States and enter into contracts with European or U.S.-based organizations. Such contracts must be formally registered, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
NALU board member Oleksandr Leshchenko, managing partner at Leshchenko & Partners, added that experts are preparing a comprehensive report on the status and regulation of lobbying in Ukraine. The report will be presented to the European Parliament and in the U.S., alongside an international roundtable with American lobbyists.
“Lobbying is a legally regulated activity in civilized countries. Misconceptions about lobbying persist in Ukraine, but starting from 1946 in the U.S., and now under Ukraine’s new legislation, lobbying is officially recognized and regulated. NALU will help establish transparent and professional practices,” Leshchenko said.
