The Verkhovna Rada is currently reviewing two critical draft laws—No. 13339 and No. 13340‑1—designed to significantly overhaul the regulation of lobbying activity in Ukraine. These bills aim to introduce new rights for lobbying entities while also revising accountability mechanisms within the sphere of lobbying. The Parliamentary Committee on Legal Policy has already recommended the adoption of one of the bills, and business associations are urging the Parliament to vote on both by September 1, 2025, at the latest.
Both the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine (ACC) and the European Business Association (EBA) have voiced their full support, calling on lawmakers to approve these drafts before autumn. According to them, this step is crucial to effectively activate the provisions of the previously passed Law “On Lobbying”—which has not yet come into force. The business community emphasizes that the legal framework must be firmly in place before sanctions for infringements are imposed.
Draft Law No. 13339: Ensuring Information Access & Simplified Entry
Authored by MP Pavlo Pavlish, this bill grants lobbyists the legal right to submit formal requests to state authorities and obligates these entities to respond within prescribed timeframes. A standard request must be answered within 5 working days. If the issue is deemed complex and requires further consultation or clarification, this deadline can be extended to 20 working days, provided a rationale is given.
The draft law also proposes that lobbyists gain simplified access to administrative buildings—if their entry relates directly to their lobbying topics. It urges national ministries and local authorities to establish orderly procedures to facilitate this access.
Finally, government bodies failing to comply or unjustifiably denying requests would face newly outlined administrative liabilities, reinforcing institutional responsiveness and safeguarding lobbyist rights.
Draft Law No. 13340‑1: A Grace Period for Compliance
Proposed by MPs Serhii Ionushas, Maksym Pavlyuk, and others, this bill seeks to postpone administrative penalties for lobbying violations. Currently, the Law on Lobbying is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2025, simultaneously with administrative sanctions. However, the bill argues that introducing sanctions at the same time as new legal rules is premature.
Instead, it proposes a transitional period, delaying accountability by one year—shifting enforcement to September 2026. This adjustment would allow lobbyists, public authorities, and all participants time to adapt to the new system without risking immediate penalties.
Supporters within the business community argue this careful approach helps avoid legal confusion and ensures the establishment of clear, equitable rules. At the same time, enacting both bills is seen as essential for operationalizing the lobbying reform, enhancing transparency in political processes, and aligning Ukraine with EU standards.
