2012 Regional Policy Paper #3: Lobbying in the European Union: Levelling the playing field

28 November 2012

In Brussels and across Europe, unregulated lobbying and limited controls over parliamentarians’ conduct pose serious corruption risks. Despite widespread calls for regulating lobbying activities, opaque rules remain the standard in many countries, causing lobbying activities to be veiled in secrecy. A recent study conducted by Transparency International in 25 European countries shows that only 6 have some form – in many cases minimal – of regulation over lobbying. Efforts are needed around Europe to lift the shroud off of lobbying through stronger controls and sanctions, mandatory lobbying registers, and regulation of the “revolving door” between the public and private sectors.