Speech: Is Brussels the new Washington, D.C.? Lobbying transparency in the EU – European Ombudsman Opening Address

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Series Details 11.05.15
Publication Date 11/05/2015
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Report of a speech given by the European Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly, at an EO organised event - 'Is Brussels the new Washington, D.C.? Lobbying transparency in the EU', Brussels, 11 May 2015.

Brussels is fast becoming the second most important lobbying hub in the world, after Washington, D.C.. Lobbying obviously plays an important role in functioning democracies. High ethical standards and pro-active transparency about lobbying are, however, key for citizens’ trust in EU decision-making.

The Ombudsman dedicates a big part of her strategic work to ethical issues and transparency in lobbying activities between the various interest representatives and the EU institutions. Her investigations in this area concern, for example, 'revolving doors' cases and the composition of expert groups in the Commission as well as more lobbying transparency in the TTIP negotiations.

The new Commission took important measures to increase lobbying transparency, by working towards a mandatory Transparency Register and by obliging all Members of the Commission and senior staff to publish contacts and meetings with stakeholders and lobbyists.

There is still room for improvement, though, not only in the Commission but also in other EU institutions. The Ombudsman would like to facilitate a debate about what has been achieved and what further measures could be taken to improve lobbying transparency in Brussels.

Source Link Link to Main Source http://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/activities/speech.faces/en/59826/html.bookmark
Related Links
Blog: The Risk-Monger, 11.05.15: Transparency – Stop the Good Lobby / Bad Lobby Nonsense http://www.risk-monger.blogactiv.eu/2015/05/11/transparency-stop-the-good-lobby-bad-lobby-nonsense/
ESO: Background information: The transparency trap http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-transparency-trap/
EUObserver, 11.05.15: EU institutions use 'data privacy' to stymie transparency https://euobserver.com/political/128657
Politico, 12.05.15: The Commission’s trade secrets http://www.politico.eu/article/the-commissions-trade-secrets/

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