The importance of EU Lobbying…

and Transparency!

Catherine Stewart,Chairman, Interel European AffairsCo- Founder, SEAP

Lobbying is a valued dialogue

“….European policy makers do not operate in isolation from civil society, but maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with representative associations and civil society ” European Commission

“lobbying may support informed decision making by providing valuable data and insights for effective public policies” OECD

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The Myths of Lobbying

Corrupts government Underpinned with cash Secretive One-sided Big corporations Against citizens’ interests

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based on the Europe visionno political funding no government contracts at stake what you know NOT who you know multicultural, democratic open, transparent, professional

EU lobbying: different from national lobbying

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Lobbyists contribute to better legislation

Support +

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Where lobbying happens

Informal meetings

Formal meetings

Consultations

Position papers

Debates

Who are the lobbyists?

Consultancies and law firms trade associations NGOs, charities Think tanks Companies Churches, religious communities Local, regional and municipal authorities

“All organisations who directly or indirectly influence the policy formulation and decision-making process of the European Instituitons” (Transparency Register)

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EuropeanUnion

European Commission

EU AgenciesMissions

EU Delegations

Think Tanks

ProfessionalOrganisations

NGOs & Civil Society.

Int’lInstitutions

Monetary Institutes

Economicand SocialCommittee

European Parliament

Council of Ministers

Committee of the Regions

The EU in Brussels: who’s lobbying who

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Money does not bring influence

No system of political donation at EU level

Bribing is illegal

Influence is based on good arguments

Why lobby?

Transparency and ethics -

• Aimed at ensuring transparency, integrity,ethical behaviour, professionalism of the sector

SEAP

Represents individual EU affairs professionals

Sets and promotes ethical standards

Acts as a link between lobbyists and the EU institutions

Maintains credibility for the profession

Supports transparency and professionalism

EU Transparency Register

Joint Register: European Commission and Euroepan Parliament June 2011

• Voluntary• Financial Declaration• Code of Conduct

DOs and DON’Ts

Code of Conduct 1. identify themselves by name and by organisation.

2. declare the clients and the interests they represent.

3. ensure that information provided to the EU institutions is accurate, complete and up-to-date to the best of their knowledge.

4. not obtain or try to obtain information dishonestly from the EU institutions.

5. not induce EU officials to contravene standards of behaviour applicable to him or her.

6. if employing former EU officials, respect their obligation to abide by the rules and confidentiality requirements which apply to them.

Situation no. 1

• You have obtained a confidential document in an early draft stage from a Commission official. You have worked on it and added some recommendations.

Are you entitled to sell it to your client?

Situation no. 2

• You need to do a policy audit on a specific topic. You create a Facebook group and invite MEPs to join. Do you tell them who you are and for whom you work?

Situation no. 3

• Your company is organising an event. You have been requested to invite a DG of the Commission and an MEP in a relevant policy area. What does the Code say with respect to this situation? Do you pay travel costs?

Situation no. 4

• Your client wants you to obtain confidential information from the EU institutions without revealing who you are working for. Do you do it? How far are you willing/able to go?

Questions?