Public Affairs Agenda
The Commission has no answer to the opaque lobbying of law firms
The European Commission needs to enforce a strict incentives-based regime that will encourage more lobbying law firms to enroll in the EU's transparency register, writes Nina Katzemich.
Building trust – the EU Transparency Register at a crossroads
With the inter-institutional negotiations on a future mandatory Transparency Register scheduled to start soon, now is a good time to see what is at stake and how the outcome can positively influence the Brussels policy-making environment, writes Malte Lohan.
ECB chief rejects chance to adopt EU’s transparency register
The European Central Bank’s President Mario Draghi has rejected calls from European lawmakers to have financiers who give advice and feedback to the ECB register as lobbyists, saying they merely provide “information”.
More transparency needed in science, as experts take fight to the ‘flat-earthers’
There have been big changes in the way the EU institutions receive and use scientific advice but concerns remain that there is still not enough transparency in the process.
Excessive complexity hinders transparency of lawmaking
Understanding of EU lawmaking among lobbyists and journalists has declined as the processes themselves have become more complex, to the point of making Brussels "a land of incompetence", experts said at a seminar on Monday (27 November).
The biggest loophole in the Commission’s lobby transparency efforts
Extending the “no registration, no meeting” rule from the Commission elite to lower-level officials would at once improve lobby transparency and protect civil servants. But the Commission has been actively avoiding the need to address this, writes Margarida Silva.
EU mandatory register for lobbyists, a baby step towards full transparency
Over time, the business of influence has been honed into a fine art in Western democracies. But that art is becoming increasingly regulated, even if the average citizen perceives lobbyists as cigar-smoking men in suits wining and dining lawmakers to gain an unfair advantage.
Balancing secrecy and openness, the EU strives for transparency
EU laws go through a roller-coaster of opacity, with lawmaking only becoming visible in some parts of the process. But a new regime could extend this transparency from conception to birth.
Lawmaking in the dark
The image of unelected bureaucrats making secret deals in smoke-filled rooms has gained traction in recent years, fueling populist resentment towards the European Union.
France’s new face in Brussels: Philippe Léglise-Costa
Following the retirement of Pierre Sellal, Philippe Léglise-Costa is taking on the mantle of France’s permanent representative in Brussels. EURACTIV France reports.
It’s high time the Council joins the EU’s Transparency Register rules
The Council of the European Union is one of the most important institutions involved in the EU’s decision-making process. But despite a ruling by the highest EU court and increased demands from civil society, they refuse to sign up to the transparency register, writes Andreas Pavlou.
Re-inventing Europe and building the future of the Union
The initiative by French President Emmanuel Macron is a wind of change in Europe and a welcome movement towards relaunching the European Project. André Flahaut explains why Belgium should seize the opportunity.
More transparency needed to tackle corporate capture
Two years after Dieselgate put the issue of corporate capture into the limelight, EU institutions have the perfect opportunity to get tough on lobbying, through a comprehensive reform of the EU lobby transparency, writes Myriam Douo.OpinionPromoted content
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Never underestimate the influence of a Brussels conference organiser
As events season in Brussels gets back into full flow, Corinna Hörst, Charlotte Brandsma and Louise Langeby call on the bubble’s conference organisers to think outside the box when planning their events.
EU institutions’ attitude to local residents ‘confirms they are out of touch’
When the politicians and civil servants leave their offices for the evening, they leave behind them the pollution and congestion that plague the European quarter. But for local residents, the never-ending disruption from traffic, construction and security measures have a real impact on their quality of life.
Malta’s EU presidency ending in exceptional health
As Malta’s time at the helm of the EU’s rotating presidency comes to an end, Health Minister Chris Fearne reflects on the successes of the last six months.
Why the Commission needs reform
There is an often overlooked area which is in dire need of reform: the structure and set-up of the EU Commission itself, write Kai Gehring and Stephan A. Schneider.
Support for Lisbon Treaty was unnecessary investment of political capital
The mantra of European elites for the support of the Lisbon Treaty included greater transparency of the decision-making process. Almost ten years after signing the Treaty, Mirek Topolánek says he now knows "for sure" that his support was unnecessary.
Mobile roaming fees disappear, but MEPs want more EU rules
European mobile phone contracts are required to charge domestic rates for calls, SMS and data use when users travel in the EU starting today (15 June), capping off a ten-year fight to get rid of roaming fees.
Member states want to change investment rules in telecoms overhaul
EU countries have changed measures on network investment in a major telecoms bill and are kicking negotiations into the second half of this year.
Tech industry relieved there will be new digital Commissioner after lengthy gap
The tech industry is relieved that Bulgaria's nominee for Commissioner will oversee digital policies, filling a gap left open for four months after Günther Oettinger transferred to the budget post.
Brexit: Where to, Brefugees?
Brexit risks creating millions of 'Brefugees' - British expats living in the EU and EU citizens living in the UK - whose rights and future remain in limbo ahead of extraordinarily complex negotiations between the EU and the UK on terms for the planned divorce.