Euro Labour MPs are calling for a single register for all EU lobbyists, who regularly work in the European Parliament, the EU Commission or the Council of Ministers. Lobbyists would also have to comply with an improved code of conduct and face sanctions if this is infringed upon.
Labour MEPs are proposing far reaching solutions for financial transparency of lobbying activities. Professional consultancies and law firms in particular will have to disclose the relative weight of their major clients and the cost associated with lobbying. NGOs and think tanks would be required to state their overall budgets and their main source of funding.
Richard Corbett MEP, Labour Member of the Constitutional Affairs Committee, said: "These proposals for more transparency in lobbying place the European Parliament well ahead of almost any other parliament in the world in terms of regulating lobbyists and ensuring full financial disclosure."
He continued: "This new code of conduct for all European institutions will enhance transparency."
Notes to editors:
There will be a press conference on Wednesday 7 May at 10.30 in the European Parliament, PHS 0A50. Interpretation will be available in FR, EN, DE and ES.
For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.
