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European lobby register open since 23 June
24.06.2008, 15:10
On 23 June, the European Commission launched its online register of interest representatives engaged in influencing the policy formulation and decision-making processes of the European institutions. Interest representatives were queuing up to sign the register the same day. The register is the result of many years of reflection and has been developed on a voluntary basis. The Commission believes that this formula is more effective than the adoption of binding regulation on the profession.
Thanks to the register, information will be made public and indicate which organisations are registered, what their objectives and missions are, and what policy areas they are particularly interested in. Furthermore, they can describe their main activities of interest representation as well as their networking efforts. Registrants will also have to disclose financial information, so that the driving forces behind a lobbying effort become clear. Organisations lobbying on behalf of third parties will have to indicate the names of their clients. When registering, interest representatives must sign up to a code of conduct, elaborated by the Commission, emphasised Mr Kallas. This sets out general principles - such as openness, honesty and integrity, and rules of behaviour that interest representatives are expected to respect.
The European Parliament and Council had positively responded to the appeal launched by the Commission to create a common register for the EU institutions. Discussions on creating a "one-stop-shop" had already taken place with the Council. The Parliament has proposed the creation of a mixed working group to establish a common register as soon as possible. The Commission intends to participate "constructively" in this group's work. Register address: (www.ec.europa.eu/transparency/regrin).
Source: www.europa.eu