Lobbying regulation: the EU’s transparency register

European Union policymakers do not legislate or regulate in a vacuum. They maintain regular dialogue with civil society and a range of interest groups, all of whom help to shape their views and policies. It is crucial that these contacts be as open and transparent as possible.

ACT

Agreement between the European Parliament and the European Commission on the transparency register for organisations and self-employed individuals engaged in EU policy-making and policy implementation (OJ L 277, 19.9.2014, pp. 11-24).

SUMMARY

WHAT DOES THIS INTERINSTITUTIONAL AGREEMENT DO?

The agreement between the European Parliament and the European Commission establishes a register. Interest representatives, more commonly known as lobbyists, wishing to have regular contact with policymakers sign the register, provide basic information on their activities and agree to abide by its code of conduct.

KEY POINTS

• The register covers all activities which aim to, directly or indirectly, influence EU decision-making and policy implementation,
• these activities include contacting MEPs, their assistants and EU officials; circulating letters and discussion papers; organising events and meetings; and participating in formal consultations or hearings,
• certain activities, such as providing legal or other professional advice, are not covered and those involved do not need to sign the register,
• the register does not apply to churches, religious communities, political parties, national civil services or international organisations,
• organisations and individuals agree that the information they have provided in the register is correct and available to the public, and to abide by the code of conduct,
• those registering are given annual access passes to the European Parliament’s premises.
• they may be given additional incentives, such as authorisation to co-host events on parliamentary premises or be informed by the Commission when public consultations are launched,
• the code of conduct contains a list of rules lobbyists must respect in their dealings with MEPs and EU officials. These range from clearly identifying themselves to not selling EU documents to third parties.
• sanctions for breaking any of the rules include withdrawal of the access pass to the Parliament and removal from the register.

WHEN DID THE AGREEMENT ENTER INTO FORCE?

1 January 2015.

For more information, see:

• the European Commission’s web page on the Transparency Register,
• European Parliament briefing on the EU Transparency Register.

last update 09.07.2015