On 8 May, the European Parliament adopted a landmark report recommending a public registration system for all interest groups involved in lobbying European institutions. The report represents a key moment in the drive to improve the transparency of the EU institutions and the estimated 15,000 lobbyists who seek to influence them.

Following the adoption of the report, European Administration and Anti-Fraud Commissioner Siim Kallas announced that the a voluntary lobbyists register and accompanying code of conduct will be published on 23 June.

Concerning financial matters, the Parliament asks for more transparency and the publication of consultancies’ and law firms’ turnover. Also, the Parliament recommended the creation of a legislative footprint but only on a voluntary basis. Along with their report and amendments, MEPs will provide a list of the organisations they consulted. Disclosure of lobbying costs for companies and trade unions as well as the cost of financing NGOs and think-tanks should also be made public.

For more information:
 See the Alter EU website