On February 21, with the support of Pragma Consulting Group, the І GR Forum of the Ukrainian Bar Association took place. This event marked the Association’s first large-scale discussion on ensuring transparency and openness in the interaction between business and the state in the decision-making process. Pragma Consulting Group served as the event’s general partner, with its representatives actively participating in its organization and execution.  

‍

The GR Forum focused on the following key aspects:

‍

• The interaction between the state and business through the lens of European integration, particularly the role of GR in negotiations between the state and business, the significance of the Law of Ukraine “On Lobbying” as an essential step toward European integration and the foundation of a civilized approach to lobbying activities, as well as the state's readiness for new formats of cooperation with lobbying entities.
• The sectoral aspect of GR in Ukraine, addressing the role of business in improving the quality of government decisions within sectoral reforms, the new opportunities provided by the Law of Ukraine “On Lobbying” for sectoral interaction between business and the state, and the involvement of business in Ukraine’s recovery processes through the Business Ombudsman Council.
• The preparation of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) for the implementation of the Law of Ukraine “On Lobbying.”
• The prospects for developing lobbying activities in Ukraine, including discussions on intellectual and ethical GR, as well as exploring the question: “Why should lobbying become a recognized profession in our country?”
• GR education and awareness, including the development of GR education in Ukraine, ethical aspects of GR, and fostering a positive perception of GR in society.