More Lobby-regulations for more transparency?

Christophe Leclercq founder of euractiv.com writes in this Politik und Kommunikation article about measures taken against the behaviour of pressure groups.

The EU has learned from the Santer case in 1999.  EU institutions, representatives of pressure groups and the European media have started initiatives to increase transparency in Brussels.  These focus especially on the independence of EU politicians and EU officials as well as the work of pressure groups.

In 2000 the Commission presented a white paper with the intention of increasing the transparency of its working methods.  Furthermore they committed themselves to a Code of conduct on sound administrative practices.  The EP has also to a code of behaviour.  

The Kallas approach is a confession of the Commission with regard to pressure group regulations.  There is still a lot to be done.  The independence of EU institutions, its officials and EU decision makers should emerge from it.  Furthermore pressure groups should be obliged to reveal which and whose interests they represent and who finances them.  The call for more transparency should not only apply to business lobby groups, but to a wider circle of pressure groups.  

Brussels public affairs-scene is monitoring this process very attentively.  Other pressure groups are not enthusiastic about this transparency initiative.

A full version of the article (in German) can be downloaded here.

For more information see sections Public Affairs and Opinion & Government.