THE LAW OF UKRAINE “ON LOBBYING”: NOVELTIES AND CHALLENGES FOR BUSINESS ENTITIES

Abstract

The purpose of this article is twofold: firstly, to highlight the novelties for entrepreneurs related to the adoption of the new Law of Ukraine "On Lobbying"; and secondly, to define some problematic issues related to its enforcement. Methodology. The systemic method provides an opportunity to analyse lobbying as a phenomenon that depends on a number of factors. The utilisation of the historical method facilitates the delineation of the evolution of lobbying and its subsequent institutionalisation within the Ukrainian context. The method of terminological analysis enabled a review of the main concepts associated with this phenomenon (subject/object of lobbying, commercial interest, subject matter of lobbying). The hermeneutic method was utilised to analyse the primary provisions and innovations of the recently adopted Law of Ukraine "On Lobbying", while the logical method facilitated the identification of its deficiencies. The utilisation of a summarisation method was instrumental in facilitating the formulation of conclusions, in accordance with the research objective. The results obtained from the study indicated that there have been ongoing efforts to regulate lobbying activities in Ukraine for a considerable period, albeit with limited success. However, this issue had to be resolved, given that legislative regulation of lobbying processes was also provided for in a number of Ukrainian and international legal documents. Consequently, the Law of Ukraine "On Lobbying", enacted in early 2025, established a legal framework for this activity in Ukraine, aligning it with global standards. Practical implications. The main provisions of the newly adopted law were analysed, namely the scope of lobbying activities, the list of persons who cannot be the subject of lobbying, the rights and obligations of lobbying entities, and the acquisition, termination and renewal of lobbying entity status. Emphasis is placed on the new transparency system in the field of lobbying, which is a key requirement for carrying out these activities. Thus, lobbyists must enter the necessary registration and reporting information into the Transparency Register, while the NACP must submit information regarding the termination or renewal of a lobbying entity’s status. Value / Originality. The primary deficiencies of the Law with regard to the subject matter of the Article were delineated, the resolution of which will facilitate its effective implementation and transparent activities of lobbyists in Ukraine.