Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats
This week, after two years of deliberations, a senior working party, made up of European Parliament members and European Commission representatives, reached an agreement on creating a joint “transparency register”.
S&D Group member Jo LEINEN, who served on the working party, commented: "At last, the work of lobbyists in Brussels will become more transparent, thus leaving their influence on European policy open to greater scrutiny. It means that Parliament and the Commission will be pioneering a new governing culture in Europe."
The Commission’s lobby register contains the names of over 3,200 registered lobbyists – a number which has been increasing. "However, we must still work to ensure that more law firms and think tanks enter their names in the register," urged Jo LEINEN.
In terms of developing the register, the European Parliament is maintaining its demand that provision be made for the compulsory registration of all lobbyists. Moreover, both institutions have been urging the Council of Ministers to sign up to the joint register in the future.
As part of an annual review process, which will also include all relevant lobbyists, the success of the register will be assessed and suggested improvements compiled.
For further information: office of Jo Leinen +32 2 28 45842; Algara Stenzel (press officer) +32 473 930 060 (mobile).
SPD member of the European Parliament
Responsible publisher: Bernhard Rapkay, MEP
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Associated media
S&D Group member Jo LEINEN, who served on the working party, commented: 'At last, the work of lobbyists in Brussels will become more transparent, thus leaving their influence on European policy open to greater scrutiny. It means that Parliament and the Commission will be pioneering a new governing culture in Europe.'
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