Mandatory Lobby List Clears Panel With Financial Disclosure Requirements

The amendments approved in the European Parliament Committee for Constitutional Affairs also call for a code of conduct and financial sanctions for those that do not respect it. The mandatory register approach backed by the committee contrasts with a European Commission proposal to be considered soon that will call for a voluntary register for those engaging in lobbying activities at the EU executive body.

In addition, the European Parliament amendments for a mandatory registry, which will be voted on at the institution's plenary session in April or May, would apply not only to public affairs consultancies but law firms and think tanks. It would not take effect for another three years.

Victory for NGO Group

The mandatory approach to the register was adopted after intense lobbying by a group of nongovernmental organizations, including Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, who are grouped together under the name ALTER-EU. Previously the European Parliament committee called for a voluntary register with a code of conduct and financial sanctions that would only apply to activities dealing with the European Parliament legislative process.

"We are quite positive," said Erik Wessalius, a representative of ALTER-EU said. "We had been very disappointed with the first draft. But with these amendments it is much better and in particular there is now a clear choice in favor of a mandatory register and full financial disclosure."

He added that "the European Parliament's amendments give a strong incentive for the Commission to move in the direction of a mandatory register as well."

However, a European Commission official stated that the EU executive body would wait to see what is finally approved in the European Parliament General Assembly before considering any changes.

"For now we are sticking with a voluntary register for lobby groups," the Commission official stated.

Currently, the European Parliament is the only EU institution with a voluntary lobby register.

The European Public Affairs Consultancies Association also welcomed the new amendments, especially those calling for the registry to apply to lobbyists working to influence decisions taken by all EU institutions.

"It is a step in the right direction by suggesting a 'one-stop-shop,'" said Jose Lalloum, an official with EPAC. "If the institutions want full financial disclosure then a mandatory system is welcome. We have always argued that this would be very difficult in a voluntary register."

Although the European Parliament committee has called for financialdisclosure rules it remains to be seen what threshold is set when it comes to mandatory information on the amount spent on a particular issue. Discussions under way range from 10,000 euros to 100,000 euros.

"It is a good thing that the amendment on a very precise definition of financial disclosure is not defined," said Lalloum. "Broadly, financial disclosure is fine. But there is also a need to protect commercially sensitive information."