MEPs split over lobbying footprint

MEPs are split over proposed transparency rules which would require them to publish the names of lobbyists that they have consulted when drafting reports.

The proposal for MEPs to publish a "legislative footprint", a list of interest group representatives who have provided information, is contained in an updated version of rules for lobbyists working in the European Parliament drafted by Alexander Stubb, a Finnish centre-right MEP.

Stubb said that the move would contribute to greater transparency by enabling the public to see exactly who had been briefing MEPs when they were drafting reports. But he said that the the house was very "divided", adding that there was resistance to the proposals in the two largest groups, his own centre-right EPP-ED and the Party of European Socialists.

The MEP is considering whether to propose making the footprint compulsory or voluntary.

Opponents of the footprint idea say it would be too bureaucratic and would restrict MEPs’ ability to receive information in confidence.

With the European Commission aiming to finalise its own code of conduct for lobbyists in the next couple of months, Stubb favours the EU institutions having a common set of rules. He is proposing an inter-institutional working group to explore how to draw up a common code of conduct.

Stubb is backing the Commission’s voluntary approach to the planned register for lobbyists. The MEP said that he also supported the Commission’s approach to financial disclosure where lobbying firms have to declare what proportion of their earnings come from major clients. Stubb supports a broad definition of lobbyists, which includes all interest group representatives seeking to influence legislation, including lawyers. "It’s a message to trade unions and lawyers that they are lobbyists too," Stubb said.

Stubb’s report on lobbying rules will be voted on by the constitutional affairs committee in March and in plenary session in April or May.

MEPs are split over proposed transparency rules which would require them to publish the names of lobbyists that they have consulted when drafting reports.