The Lobby Network's First Meeting: A Candid Conversation on Lobbying with Minister of Finance Serhii Marchenko

On October 21, the Ukrainian Lobbying Association launched a new platform for informal meetings of the professional community: The Lobby Network. The first event brought together, in a closed, intimate format, representatives of business, the government, parliament, the GR community, civil society, and international partners.

Inspired by the traditions of informal networking on Capitol Hill in Washington and Parliament Hill in Ottawa, The Lobby Network is designed as a safe space for building peer-to-peer connections and strengthening personal trust among those directly involved in shaping government decisions.

Minister of Finance of Ukraine Serhii Marchenko was the special guest and exclusive speaker at the first meeting. In a candid dialogue, the discussion covered:

• lobbying through the eyes of the Ministry of Finance: from negotiations with partners to engagement with business;
• how to reconcile European norms with the interests of industry in Ukraine;
• at what stage of decision preparation it is most effective for companies to join the dialogue in order to influence the substance;
• how the Transparency Register and the new rules of the game work in practice.

"We wanted to create an atmosphere of lively conversation and mutual respect, because everyone in the room is involved in shaping government decisions and policies. Truly long-term cooperation is born not at official meetings but where there is personal trust. The Lobby Network became just such a safe space, where that trust is built and strengthened," said Anna Lachykhina, Chair of the Board.

We sincerely thank Serhii Marchenko for his openness to dialogue, and every participant for their interest and engagement. Special thanks to our general partners for supporting the initiative and sharing our vision for the industry's development:

Public Affairs company Good Politics,
British American Tobacco Ukraine,
Association of Ukrainian Gaming Business Operators

If a like-minded environment and access to exclusive events matter to you, join the community! Apply for membership in the Ukrainian Lobbying Association.

The next meetings are coming very soon. Follow the announcements on our social media