The importance of EU Lobbying… and Transparency! Catherine Stewart, Chairman, Interel European Affairs Co- 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
The Myths of Lobbying Ø Corrupts government Ø Underpinned with cash Ø Secretive Ø One-sided Ø Big corporations Ø Against citizens’ interests Page 3
EU lobbying: different from national lobbying Ø Ø Ø based on the Europe vision no political funding no government contracts at stake what you know NOT who you know multicultural, democratic open, transparent, professional Page 4
Lobbyists contribute to better legislation Expertise Support + Understanding the ‘bigger picture’ Identification of market realities and unintended consequences of laws Page 5
Where lobbying happens Ø Informal meetings Ø Formal meetings Ø Consultations Ø Position papers Ø Debates Page 6
Who are the lobbyists? “All organisations who directly or indirectly influence the policy formulation and decision-making process of the European Instituitons” (Transparency Register) Ø Ø Ø Consultancies and law firms trade associations NGOs, charities Think tanks Companies Churches, religious communities Local, regional and municipal authorities
The EU in Brussels: who’s lobbying who EU Agencies Missions EU Delegations Monetary Institutes European Commission Economic and Social Committee European Union European Parliament Think Tanks Page 8 Professional Organisations Committee of the Regions Int’l Institutions Council of Ministers NGOs & Civil Society.
Money does not bring influence Ø No system of political donation at EU level Ø Bribing is illegal Ø Influence is based on good arguments Page 9
Why lobby? Awareness Influence Enhance effectiveness • Create awareness, understanding and of issues and interests • Enhance organisation profile • Create sound basis for decision-making • Policy Agenda and direction • Change/enforce views on subjects • Counter misinformation or wrong assumptions • Improve quality of legislation and impact on market • Help organisations prepare forthcoming legislation
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 Supports transparency and professionalism Maintains credibility for the profession
EU Transparency Register • Voluntary • Financial Declaration • Code of Conduct Joint Register: European Commission and Euroepan Parliament June 2011
DOs and DON’Ts ct confli
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?
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