Regulatory framework for lobbying European institutions

Transparency International published a report on 15 April 2015 in which it emphasised the need for lobbying reforms in Europe, both in the Member States and in the institutions. Out of the 19 countries included in the report, only 7 have lobbying regulations; the Commission (53%), the Parliament (37%), and the Council of the European Union (17%) received mediocre lobbying transparency scores.

This initial assessment sheds light on the lack of transparency with regard to the influence of lobbying on political decisions, and also points out that efforts to regulate money markets after the financial crisis were held up largely by lobbying from the financial sector.

In view of the great difficulties arising from the the financial crisis, requiring ever greater efforts on the part of European citizens, priority must be given to guaranteeing that European decisions are made in everyone’s best interests.

Given that there is no obligation to enter active lobbies in the Transparency Register in Brussels, when is the Commission planning to submit a legislative proposal to the European Parliament on a regulatory framework for lobbying European institutions?

Source: European Parliament

Answer given by Vice-President Timmermans on behalf of the Commission

The Commission’s Work Programme 2015 foresees a proposal for a mandatory Transparency Register covering the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council. Such step would further strengthen the framework for relations with interest representatives trying to influence the EC law-making process. The proposal would feature a requirement for mandatory registration in the Transparency Register for all relevant entities carrying out activities aimed at influencing the EU decision-making and policy implementation process.

Source: European Parliament