Lobbying Regulation Flashcards
Components of lobbying regulation
- transparency (registration of lobbyists and activities)
- code of conduct (for both lobbyists and decision-makers)
- revolving doors
EU transparency register
- inter-institutional agreement between EC and EP (not Council)
- inter-institutional agreement: ‘voluntary’ register and code of conduct (-> incentives provided to IGs to register)
Incentives for lobbyist to register for Transparency Register
- reputation (most legislators believe it should be mandatory; alleviate perceived lobby problems/inappropriate influence)
- access (EP badges, membership EC expert groups, exclusive mailing lists, meetings with officials/MEPs)
Transparency of meetings
- only registered lobbyists should be met
- information such as date, location, names and subject should be published
Code of Conduct
EU Code of Conduct:
- properly identify everyone
- refrain from obtaining information through pressuring/ inappropriate behaviour
- no selling of information
- lobbyists shall not act as EU staff
- …
Also: private Code of Conduct: SEAP (Society of European Affairs Professional)
For EU officials: receiving gifts
- gifts up to €150 are allowed, no hospitality (unless for protocol)
- if higher than €150 -> handing over to Protocol Department
- prices, honours etc. must also be reported
MEP: ‘buying’ votes forbidden
Revolving doors
After leaving office, members of EC and EP should refrain from certain activities after office.
EC:
- during office: no other positions allowed
- 2 year after-period: only with approval of EC new roles can be taken up
MEP: losing some privileges, if lobbying activities are taken up after their mandate
Other rules: financial disclosure
All MEP and Commissioners have to give a (non-public) list of assets before taking up office.
Special role of Council
- some roles apply to Council officials
- lobbying rules are country-specific (-> perm reps), therefore derivation possible
