Ekomenzoge; Lobbying And Political Consultancy In The Eu

LOBBYING & POLITICAL CONSULTANCYIN THE EU

WELCOMEWELCOMETOTO

BRUSSELS LOBBYCRACYBRUSSELS LOBBYCRACYPresenters: Ekomenzoge MetugePresenters: Ekomenzoge Metuge

EU Lobbying AWARD 2005EU Lobbying AWARD 2005

Brussels LobbycracyBrussels Lobbycracy

The complex, often unaccountable The complex, often unaccountable EU decision-making procedures, and EU decision-making procedures, and the lack of a truly European public the lack of a truly European public debate have all created a'democratic debate have all created a'democratic deficit'. This, in turn, has engenderd deficit'. This, in turn, has engenderd 'a democratic wish'. Hence, Brussels 'a democratic wish'. Hence, Brussels has become a centrepoint for has become a centrepoint for lobbyists.lobbyists.

Brussels now competes with Brussels now competes with Washington D.C. as the global capital Washington D.C. as the global capital of lobbying.of lobbying.

ContentsContents

The format of this presentation is as The format of this presentation is as outlined below.outlined below.

DefinitionDefinition BackgroundBackground Kinds of LobbyingKinds of Lobbying Interest Representation in the EU and Interest Representation in the EU and

in Brusselsin Brussels Women and Lobbying in BrusselsWomen and Lobbying in Brussels Regulating Lobbying at the EU levelRegulating Lobbying at the EU level

Possible Definition Of Lobbying Possible Definition Of Lobbying

The word 'lobbying' has it roots in the The word 'lobbying' has it roots in the British parliamentary tradition. The British parliamentary tradition. The ‘lobby’ lies at the front of the ‘lobby’ lies at the front of the debating chamber of the House of debating chamber of the House of Commons. It is the place where Commons. It is the place where members of parliament meet the members of parliament meet the public who try to explain to, public who try to explain to, persuade or entreat parliamentarians persuade or entreat parliamentarians to support or oppose a cause.to support or oppose a cause.

Possible Definition Of LobbyingPossible Definition Of Lobbying

Lobbying still remains a way ofLobbying still remains a way of

influencing the political decisioninfluencing the political decision

making process for special interest making process for special interest groups or pressure groups. It, groups or pressure groups. It, unfortunately, conjures a negative unfortunately, conjures a negative image to some people, and is often image to some people, and is often suspected of putting democracy in suspected of putting democracy in danger. This is because it is more danger. This is because it is more accessible to the financially powerful, accessible to the financially powerful, than to the socially excluded. than to the socially excluded.

BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND

LOBBYISTS AND CONSULTANTSLOBBYISTS AND CONSULTANTS

EU POLICY MAKING EU POLICY MAKING

PATTERNSPATTERNS

BackgroundBackground

EU POLICY MAKING PATTERNSEU POLICY MAKING PATTERNS European level: ( EU core) EC, EP, European level: ( EU core) EC, EP,

Council, CoR, and ECOSOCCouncil, CoR, and ECOSOC National level: ( EU Member States) National level: ( EU Member States)

but also regional and localbut also regional and local Civil society at national and Civil society at national and

European levels: ( lobby groups, European levels: ( lobby groups, interest representation, networks, interest representation, networks, NGOs, etcNGOs, etc

Non-governmental interest lobbyingNon-governmental interest lobbying

Sub-national levels of governmentSub-national levels of government• Regional and local governments: direct Regional and local governments: direct

lines of communication with EU lines of communication with EU institutions and offices in Brusselsinstitutions and offices in Brussels

• Degree of involvement and activity Degree of involvement and activity depends on autonomy and depends on autonomy and maneuverability at national levelmaneuverability at national level

• Over 100 sub-national authorities Over 100 sub-national authorities maintain representative offices in maintain representative offices in BrusselsBrussels


Private and Public Companies:Private and Public Companies:• Multinational corporations; very active in Multinational corporations; very active in

lobbying EU institutionslobbying EU institutions• Over 250 firms have offices in BrusselsOver 250 firms have offices in Brussels• Conducted on a direct basisConducted on a direct basis


National interest groups:National interest groups:• Attempt to involve themselves in EU Attempt to involve themselves in EU

processes (e.g. Environment)processes (e.g. Environment)• Business and trade; many are from non-Business and trade; many are from non-

EU countries and are quite influential EU countries and are quite influential (e.g. AMCHAM-EU)(e.g. AMCHAM-EU)

• Large industrial and agricultural groups; Large industrial and agricultural groups; have representatives and agents have representatives and agents permanently based in Brusselspermanently based in Brussels

Lobbyists and Pressure groups Lobbyists and Pressure groups ActivitiesActivities

Service functionsService functions = the provision of = the provision of specific services for their members specific services for their members (e.g. the gathering of information)(e.g. the gathering of information)

Lobbying functionsLobbying functions = attempt to = attempt to influence decision-making processes influence decision-making processes from outside (e.g. by meeting from outside (e.g. by meeting commission officials or participating commission officials or participating in public hearings)in public hearings)

Lobbyists & Pressure Groups Lobbyists & Pressure Groups ActivitiesActivities

Decision-making functionsDecision-making functions = attempt to = attempt to influence decisions from within (e.g. by influence decisions from within (e.g. by direct participation in the decision-making direct participation in the decision-making process through expert committees; process through expert committees; selecting and formulating research project selecting and formulating research project proposals).proposals).

Implementation functionsImplementation functions = participate in = participate in policy implementation (e.g. by taking over policy implementation (e.g. by taking over management functions in programme management functions in programme implementation).implementation).

Different Kinds of LobbyingDifferent Kinds of Lobbying

Where/How should I do my Lobbing?Where/How should I do my Lobbing?

INSIDEINSIDE

OROR

OUTSIDEOUTSIDE

Different kinds of lobbying Different kinds of lobbying activities.activities.

1 1 Inside Lobbying:Inside Lobbying: takes place in the takes place in the capital and includes:capital and includes:

Meeting with lawmakers and Meeting with lawmakers and legislative stafflegislative staff

Testifying in committeesTestifying in committees Negotiating with policymakers and Negotiating with policymakers and

other lobby groupsother lobby groups Providing information and analyses Providing information and analyses

to committees.to committees.

Different kinds of Lobbying Different kinds of Lobbying ActivitiesActivities

2 2 Outside Lobbying:Outside Lobbying: takes place out of the takes place out of the capital and includes:capital and includes:

Letter writing campaignsLetter writing campaigns Grassroots activities such as rallies, etcGrassroots activities such as rallies, etc Building broad and diverse coalitionsBuilding broad and diverse coalitions Local lobbying visits by constituents to Local lobbying visits by constituents to

their legislatorstheir legislators Media activities, conferences, radio news, Media activities, conferences, radio news,

etc.etc.

Practical tips for lobbying your Practical tips for lobbying your legislator or elected officiallegislator or elected official

Establish your agenda and goalsEstablish your agenda and goals Listen wellListen well Be prepared, but don't feel that you need to be Be prepared, but don't feel that you need to be

an expertan expert Don't stay too longDon't stay too long Remember you are there to build a relationshipRemember you are there to build a relationship Follow-up is importantFollow-up is important Maintain contactsMaintain contacts Be serious, coherent and persuasiveBe serious, coherent and persuasive Observe the reactions of the adverse partiesObserve the reactions of the adverse parties Be aware of cultural differencesBe aware of cultural differences

VARIETIES OF INTEREST LOBBY VARIETIES OF INTEREST LOBBY GROUPS IN EUROPEGROUPS IN EUROPE

FirmsFirms Employers and Labour GroupsEmployers and Labour Groups ProfessionsProfessions Social and Environmental InterestsSocial and Environmental Interests Citizen InterestsCitizen Interests Territorial Interests ( regional/local Territorial Interests ( regional/local

interests )interests ) Policy Sectors ( social, cultural, Policy Sectors ( social, cultural,

educational, )educational, )

INTEREST REPRESENTATIONINTEREST REPRESENTATION

Interest Representation Interest Representation

in EUin EU

andand

BrusselsBrussels

INTEREST REPRESENTATION IN INTEREST REPRESENTATION IN EU AND BRUSSELSEU AND BRUSSELS

About 15,000 lobbyists in BrusselsAbout 15,000 lobbyists in Brussels About 1450 formal interest groups addressed to About 1450 formal interest groups addressed to

the EUthe EU About 829 lobby groups in BelgiumAbout 829 lobby groups in Belgium About 768 lobby groups in BrusselsAbout 768 lobby groups in Brussels About 171 Offices of regions in BrusselsAbout 171 Offices of regions in Brussels# Of these groups:# Of these groups:=65% - Business=65% - Business=20% - Public interest groups=20% - Public interest groups=10% - Professions=10% - Professions=5% - Trade unions, consumers,environmentalists=5% - Trade unions, consumers,environmentalists

Lobbying in EU Policy-MakingLobbying in EU Policy-Making

Lobbying the National GovernmentLobbying the National Government::• Lobbyists try to influence Council Lobbyists try to influence Council

decision-makingdecision-making• Influence the way EU decisions are Influence the way EU decisions are

implementedimplemented• Lobby for national interest by Lobby for national interest by

pressurising those who make and pressurising those who make and implement policiesimplement policies

Lobbying in EU Policy MakingLobbying in EU Policy Making

Lobbying the European Commission:Lobbying the European Commission: Organised interests provide unique Organised interests provide unique

benefits to the European Commission by benefits to the European Commission by serving as:serving as:

a) source of information in the drafting of a) source of information in the drafting of

legislationlegislation

b): means of ‘testing out’ proposalsb): means of ‘testing out’ proposals

c): source of information about c): source of information about

implementation of measures and their implementation of measures and their impactimpact

Lobbying in EU Policy MakingLobbying in EU Policy Making

Lobbying the European Parliament:Lobbying the European Parliament:• Use MEPs to get legislative initiatives off Use MEPs to get legislative initiatives off

the groundthe ground• Encourage MEPs to draw up own Encourage MEPs to draw up own

initiative reportsinitiative reports• Circulate general informationCirculate general information• Address MEPs and members of Address MEPs and members of

committees dealing with relevant pieces committees dealing with relevant pieces of legislationof legislation

• IntergroupsIntergroups

Activities of Interest GroupsActivities of Interest Groups

Source of information about EU legislation, Source of information about EU legislation, action, budgetary issues, decision-making action, budgetary issues, decision-making and policy implementation in a specific and policy implementation in a specific fieldfield

Lobby their interests at EU institutions by Lobby their interests at EU institutions by providing recommendations to providing recommendations to policymakerspolicymakers

Provide a European dimension to the Provide a European dimension to the sectorsector

Create an identity for project developmentCreate an identity for project development Networking with other organisationsNetworking with other organisations

How they operateHow they operate

Annual assemblies, other meetings Annual assemblies, other meetings and activities for membersand activities for members

Visibility to conferences, EP sessions, Visibility to conferences, EP sessions, eventsevents

Promotional materials (logo, leaflets, Promotional materials (logo, leaflets, & brochures)& brochures)

Meeting with experts in the field, the Meeting with experts in the field, the EC, MEPs, National GovernmentsEC, MEPs, National Governments

Dissemination of information through Dissemination of information through newsletters, email lists, & websitesnewsletters, email lists, & websites

Their BudgetsTheir Budgets

DonationsDonations Private sponsorshipPrivate sponsorship Member contributionsMember contributions National GovernmentsNational Governments EU funding ( through EP)EU funding ( through EP) EU funding ( through EC projects)EU funding ( through EC projects)

WOMEN LOBBYINGWOMEN LOBBYING

Women’s Lobby in the EU: Women’s Lobby in the EU: Why?Why?

Current status of Women in the EUCurrent status of Women in the EU Women's issues in EU policiesWomen's issues in EU policies EU funding for women’s issuesEU funding for women’s issues EU bodies dealing with women's issuesEU bodies dealing with women's issues Some examples of women’s lobbying and Some examples of women’s lobbying and

networkingnetworking Assets of women’s lobbyingAssets of women’s lobbying Challenges for women lobbyingChallenges for women lobbying Challenges in the new Member StatesChallenges in the new Member States Recommendations Recommendations

Current status of women in the EUCurrent status of women in the EU

Women constitute about 60% of the EUWomen constitute about 60% of the EU

However, only:However, only:• 5 out of the 20 commissioners are women5 out of the 20 commissioners are women• 31% of MEPs are women31% of MEPs are women• 9.3% of women are in top management 9.3% of women are in top management

positionspositions• 6% are full-time academic professors6% are full-time academic professors• 8% are directors of bank divisions8% are directors of bank divisions

Women issues in EU policiesWomen issues in EU policies

The Treaties:The Treaties:• Articles 2 and 3 on Gender equalityArticles 2 and 3 on Gender equality• Article 13 on anti-discriminationArticle 13 on anti-discrimination• Articles 137 and 141 on equality in the Articles 137 and 141 on equality in the

labour marketlabour market EU Directives on gender equality and EU Directives on gender equality and

equal opportunity for all in the new equal opportunity for all in the new cohesion framework cohesion framework

EU funding for women’s issuesEU funding for women’s issues

Funding is ‘dispersed’ among Funding is ‘dispersed’ among different actions, different DGs, and different actions, different DGs, and across EU institutionsacross EU institutions

Some funding examples:Some funding examples:• DG ResearchDG Research• DG Employment ( equal )DG Employment ( equal )• DG Education and CultureDG Education and Culture

EU bodies dealing with women's EU bodies dealing with women's issuesissues

European CommissionEuropean Commission• DG Employment, industrial relations and social DG Employment, industrial relations and social

affairs, equal opportunities unitaffairs, equal opportunities unit• Commissioners’ Group on EqualityCommissioners’ Group on Equality• Advisory Committee on Equal Opportunities Advisory Committee on Equal Opportunities

(composed of ministerial representatives(composed of ministerial representatives Council of Ministers (social affairs council Council of Ministers (social affairs council

but no gender equality council)but no gender equality council) European ParliamentEuropean Parliament

• Committee on women’s rightsCommittee on women’s rights

Some Examples of Women's Some Examples of Women's lobbying and networkinglobbying and networking

EWL – The European Women’s LobbyEWL – The European Women’s Lobby Several national women’s councils in Several national women’s councils in

most European countriesmost European countries CECIF – European Centre of the CECIF – European Centre of the

International Council of WomenInternational Council of Women ENOW – European Network of ENOW – European Network of

WomenWomen University WomenUniversity Women

Assets of Women’s LobbyingAssets of Women’s Lobbying

Fight for integration, civil dialogueFight for integration, civil dialogue Promoting education and trainingPromoting education and training Raising awareness on gender Raising awareness on gender

equality issuesequality issues Encourage a balance between an Encourage a balance between an

Economic Europe and a Social Economic Europe and a Social EuropeEurope

Encouragement of an open and more Encouragement of an open and more tolerant societytolerant society

Challenges for women lobbyingChallenges for women lobbying

Poor funding for women NGOsPoor funding for women NGOs Fear that the enlarged EU will Fear that the enlarged EU will

increase bureaucratic proceduresincrease bureaucratic procedures Large disparities between Large disparities between

Scandinavian, and Central/Eastern Scandinavian, and Central/Eastern European CountriesEuropean Countries

Stereotyping and male-dominant Stereotyping and male-dominant culture in societyculture in society

Challenges in the new Member Challenges in the new Member StatesStates

High levels of women unemploymentHigh levels of women unemployment Lack of training possibilitiesLack of training possibilities Lack of care provisions for childrenLack of care provisions for children A big-big gender pay gapA big-big gender pay gap The division between men’s and The division between men’s and

women’s work is still very strongwomen’s work is still very strong Rural womenRural women

RecommendationsRecommendations

Women supporting womenWomen supporting women More diversity in representationMore diversity in representation Training and capacity-buildingTraining and capacity-building Regular and transparent consultation Regular and transparent consultation

with NGOs; a strong civil dialoguewith NGOs; a strong civil dialogue Creation of sustainable funding Creation of sustainable funding

means (instead of project form means (instead of project form activities)activities)

Promotion of DiversityPromotion of Diversity

After all, there are :After all, there are : Young womenYoung women Women from ethnic minoritiesWomen from ethnic minorities Migrant womenMigrant women Gay womenGay women Women living in the cities/rural areasWomen living in the cities/rural areas Older womenOlder women Single womenSingle women

RULES OF THE GAMERULES OF THE GAME

REGULATINGREGULATING

LOBBYING AT THE EU LOBBYING AT THE EU LEVELLEVEL

Present Regulation (1)Present Regulation (1)

Lobbying activities are estimated to be Lobbying activities are estimated to be worth 60-90 million euros annuallyworth 60-90 million euros annually

No mandatory regulation on registration, No mandatory regulation on registration, and reporting of lobby activitiesand reporting of lobby activities

Registers provided by lobbyists' Registers provided by lobbyists' organisations in the EU are voluntary, organisations in the EU are voluntary, incomprehensive, and do not provide incomprehensive, and do not provide much information on the specific interests much information on the specific interests represented, or how they are financedrepresented, or how they are financed

Self-imposed code of conduct have few Self-imposed code of conduct have few signatories, and have so far lacked serious signatories, and have so far lacked serious sanctionssanctions

Present Regulation (2 )Present Regulation (2 )

Commission has a voluntary database Commission has a voluntary database CONECCS (Consultation, the European CONECCS (Consultation, the European Commission and Civil Society) whichCommission and Civil Society) which

- - can be regarded as a database on European interest can be regarded as a database on European interest (lobby) groups as it includes trade unions and employers (lobby) groups as it includes trade unions and employers federations, NGOs, consumers groups, organisations federations, NGOs, consumers groups, organisations representing social and economic players, charitable representing social and economic players, charitable organisations and community based organisationsorganisations and community based organisations

The organisations listed in CONECCS are required to have a The organisations listed in CONECCS are required to have a minimum presence in three Member States and to provide minimum presence in three Member States and to provide information on financing, coverage ( countries in which they information on financing, coverage ( countries in which they operate), objectives, policy areas and postholders (President, operate), objectives, policy areas and postholders (President, etc), which is then displayed on the Internet.etc), which is then displayed on the Internet.


The European Parliament (EP) has a system of The European Parliament (EP) has a system of accreditation, which:accreditation, which:• Is for those needing frequent access to this institution Is for those needing frequent access to this institution

( defined as five days or more per year).( defined as five days or more per year).• Allows physical access to the Parliament ( special Allows physical access to the Parliament ( special

passes, which state the person’s name, firm and the passes, which state the person’s name, firm and the organisation represented, are issued by the Quaestors organisation represented, are issued by the Quaestors and valid for a year).and valid for a year).

A lobbyist register is published on the EP website.A lobbyist register is published on the EP website. It is in alphabetical order.It is in alphabetical order. It, however, does not give any indication of the It, however, does not give any indication of the

interests for which a lobbyist is acting.interests for which a lobbyist is acting.


The German Bundestag, for the time being, is the only Parliament The German Bundestag, for the time being, is the only Parliament that has adopted specific and formal rules regarding the that has adopted specific and formal rules regarding the registration of lobbyistsregistration of lobbyists• Each year a public list is drawn up of all groups wishing to express or Each year a public list is drawn up of all groups wishing to express or

defend their views before the Bundestag or the Federal Government.defend their views before the Bundestag or the Federal Government. In Hungary, legislation is currently being drawn up that would In Hungary, legislation is currently being drawn up that would

require lobbyists to provide detailed information about their require lobbyists to provide detailed information about their activitiesactivities

In June 2005, the Government of Slovakia approved a draft law on In June 2005, the Government of Slovakia approved a draft law on lobbying. If adopted by Parliament, the law will come into force lobbying. If adopted by Parliament, the law will come into force from 01/01/06.from 01/01/06.• The law will enable registered people with a trade licence to perform The law will enable registered people with a trade licence to perform

lobbying as a legal activitylobbying as a legal activity• They will have to publish reports on their contacts with public officers They will have to publish reports on their contacts with public officers

every three months.every three months.• They will also have to release details of their income and expenditures They will also have to release details of their income and expenditures

annually.annually.

European Transparency Initiative European Transparency Initiative (1)(1)

Commission has made transparency one Commission has made transparency one of its objectives for the 2005-2009 period.of its objectives for the 2005-2009 period.

Commissioner Siim Kallas launched an Commissioner Siim Kallas launched an ‘European Transparency Initiative’ (ETI) ‘European Transparency Initiative’ (ETI) during a speech in Nottingham in march during a speech in Nottingham in march 3rd,2005.3rd,2005.

ETI has two main thematic focuses:ETI has two main thematic focuses:• increase financial accountabilityincrease financial accountability• strengthen personal integrity and institutional strengthen personal integrity and institutional

independence; and it focuses among other independence; and it focuses among other topics on the possibility of regulating lobbying.topics on the possibility of regulating lobbying.


The college held an orientation debate on The college held an orientation debate on 18th May 200518th May 2005

It was decided to set up an It was decided to set up an Interdepartmental Work Group (IWG) to Interdepartmental Work Group (IWG) to carry out preparatory work of the carry out preparatory work of the European Transparency Initiative.European Transparency Initiative.

European Transparency Initiative was European Transparency Initiative was adopted by the Commission last week 9th adopted by the Commission last week 9th of November, 2005.of November, 2005.


By the beginning of 2006 a Green Paper By the beginning of 2006 a Green Paper will be published to launch a debate with will be published to launch a debate with all the stakeholders on how to improve all the stakeholders on how to improve transparency on the Community Funds, transparency on the Community Funds, consultation with civil society and the role consultation with civil society and the role of the lobbyists and NGOs in the European of the lobbyists and NGOs in the European institutions, decision-making processesinstitutions, decision-making processes

It is possible that the need will eventually It is possible that the need will eventually arise for the introduction of mandatory arise for the introduction of mandatory legislation on lobbying, even though the legislation on lobbying, even though the present Commission has adopted an present Commission has adopted an approach on less regulation.approach on less regulation.

ALTER-EU (1)ALTER-EU (1)

ALTER-EU = Alliance for Lobbying Transparency and Ethics ALTER-EU = Alliance for Lobbying Transparency and Ethics Regulation.Regulation.

One of the associations of EU lobbyists.One of the associations of EU lobbyists. Official launch was 19th July,2005; attended by Official launch was 19th July,2005; attended by

Commissioner Kallas.Commissioner Kallas. A coalition of over 150 civil society groups, trade unions, A coalition of over 150 civil society groups, trade unions,

academics and public affairs firms, calling for:academics and public affairs firms, calling for:• EU improved code of conduct for European Commission EU improved code of conduct for European Commission

OfficialsOfficials• EU lobbying disclosure legislation.EU lobbying disclosure legislation.• The European Commission to terminate cases of privileged The European Commission to terminate cases of privileged

access and undue influence granted to corporate lobbyists.access and undue influence granted to corporate lobbyists.


ALTER-EU’s main concerns:ALTER-EU’s main concerns:• Growing influence of corporate lobby groups in Growing influence of corporate lobby groups in

European Union decision-making.European Union decision-making.• European Commission has developed a European Commission has developed a

tradition of awarding privileged access to tradition of awarding privileged access to corporate interests.corporate interests.

• The enormous influence of corporate lobbyists The enormous influence of corporate lobbyists undermines democracy, and all too frequently, undermines democracy, and all too frequently, results in the weakening, or blocking of results in the weakening, or blocking of urgently needed progress in the areas of urgently needed progress in the areas of social, environmental and consumer protection social, environmental and consumer protection within the EU.within the EU.


is on the opinion that, as a first step in is on the opinion that, as a first step in addressing these problems, the addressing these problems, the Commission should take determined Commission should take determined action to improve transparency around action to improve transparency around lobbying, and ensure that no business lobbying, and ensure that no business groups are given privileged access and groups are given privileged access and influence on EU policy-making.influence on EU policy-making.

welcomes the ‘European Transparency welcomes the ‘European Transparency Initiative’ (ETI), in particular, the goal of Initiative’ (ETI), in particular, the goal of addressing the current lack of mandatory addressing the current lack of mandatory regulation and reporting of lobbying regulation and reporting of lobbying activitiesactivities

ALTER-EU demands (1)ALTER-EU demands (1)

EU Lobbying disclosure legislation, EU Lobbying disclosure legislation, which must include:which must include:• A mandatory system of electronic A mandatory system of electronic

registration & reporting for all lobbyists registration & reporting for all lobbyists with a significant annual lobbying with a significant annual lobbying budget. The reports must be made budget. The reports must be made available in a fully searchable, sortable available in a fully searchable, sortable & downloadable online database& downloadable online database

• Enforceable ethics rules for lobbyists.Enforceable ethics rules for lobbyists.


An improved code of conduct for An improved code of conduct for Commission Officials, including:Commission Officials, including:• Recording of formal and informal meetings Recording of formal and informal meetings

between Commission officials and lobbyists, between Commission officials and lobbyists, and the logging of correspondence (to be made and the logging of correspondence (to be made available in fully searchable online database)available in fully searchable online database)

• An extended ‘cooling off’ period before An extended ‘cooling off’ period before Commissioners and senior officials can start Commissioners and senior officials can start working for lobby groups or lobbying advisory working for lobby groups or lobbying advisory firmsfirms

• The European Commission should encourage The European Commission should encourage the other EU institutions, e.g. the EP and the the other EU institutions, e.g. the EP and the EC to develop similar rulesEC to develop similar rules


The Commission must terminate cases of The Commission must terminate cases of privileged access and undue influence privileged access and undue influence granted to corporate lobbyists, e.g.granted to corporate lobbyists, e.g.• Joint taskforces in which corporate interests are Joint taskforces in which corporate interests are

represented, while public interest NGOs are not represented, while public interest NGOs are not (such as Cars 21 which consists of Commission (such as Cars 21 which consists of Commission officials, CEOs and lobbyists from the officials, CEOs and lobbyists from the automobile industry, but no environmental automobile industry, but no environmental NGOs)NGOs)

• The privileged status accorded to business The privileged status accorded to business lobby groups like the European Services Forum lobby groups like the European Services Forum and the Trans-Atlantic Business Dialogue.and the Trans-Atlantic Business Dialogue.

Advantages of LobbyingAdvantages of Lobbying

Advantages of Lobbying in the EU:Advantages of Lobbying in the EU:• Broadens the participatory base of the Broadens the participatory base of the

EU and ensures that policy and decision-EU and ensures that policy and decision-making are not completely controlled by making are not completely controlled by politicians and officialspoliticians and officials

• Can provide EU authorities with Can provide EU authorities with information and viewpoints that improve information and viewpoints that improve the quality and effectiveness of their the quality and effectiveness of their policies and decisionspolicies and decisions

Disadvantages of LobbyingDisadvantages of Lobbying

Disadvantages of Lobbying in EUDisadvantages of Lobbying in EU::• Some interests are much more powerful Some interests are much more powerful

and influential than others = not and influential than others = not democraticdemocratic

• Lack of transparencyLack of transparency• Encourage corruptionEncourage corruption

Questions ?Questions ?

Does lobbying improve the decision-Does lobbying improve the decision-making process in the EU ?making process in the EU ?

Who gains more from this process - Who gains more from this process - the lobbyists or decision-makers?the lobbyists or decision-makers?

Bye-ByeBye-Bye

ReferencesReferences

http:/www.alter-eu.orghttp:/www.alter-eu.org http:/www.euractiv.comhttp:/www.euractiv.com http:/www.corporateeurope.orghttp:/www.corporateeurope.org http:/www.lobbycontrol.dehttp:/www.lobbycontrol.de http:/www.gender-equality.webinfo.ithttp:/www.gender-equality.webinfo.it http:/www.corpwatch.orghttp:/www.corpwatch.org http:/www.europa.eu.int/com/http:/www.europa.eu.int/com/

commission_borroso/kallas/commission_borroso/kallas/transparency_en.htmtransparency_en.htm

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Ekomenzoge; Lobbying And Political Consultancy In The Eu