MEPs put EU lobbying under spotlight ahead of report

Lobbying: a normal part of the democratic process or something that exerts more power than it should? On the 8 October 2007 Members of the European Parliament in the Constitutional Affairs Committee met to discuss lobbying ahead of a report Parliament is preparing on the issue.

The European Parliament has at present 4570 accredited lobbyists. Many of the lobbyists are NGOs and pressure groups such as amnesty international. Trade associations, regions, cities and companies (for example British Airways) constitute the rest.

European Parliament: Article, 5.11.07: Lobbying rapporteur Stubb calls for more transparency ahead of report http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/public/story_page/008-12642-309-11-45-901-20071105STO12638-2007-05-11-2007/default_en.htm

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