A new version of the EU Transparency Register was launched on 27 January following joint work by the European Commission and the European Parliament. This ‘second generation’ of the Register implements the provisions of the revised Inter-institutional Agreement signed between the European Parliament and the European Commission in April 2014.
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The new system brings changes to the way human resources invested in lobbying are declared, requires additional information about involvement in EU committees, forums, intergroups or similar structures, and legislative files currently followed; it also extends the requirement to declare estimated costs related to lobbying to all registrants.
Additionally, a streamlined ‘alerts & complaints’ procedure allows for greater scrutiny and more efficient treatment of allegedly misleading information, and new incentives are given to increase the added value of registering, such as a requirement to register for all those seeking to meet with Commissioners, Cabinet Members or Directors-General or for any organisation wishing to speak at hearings organized by the European Parliament.
A more user friendly website improves the public interface and provides for a more straightforward registration process with guidance provided in a step-by-step approach.
Background
The steps taken on 27 January represent a required implementation of an agreement signed in April 2014. The Juncker Commission says it intends to make its own proposal in 2015 for a mandatory register of lobbyists covering the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council. The preparation of this proposal is the responsibility of First Vice-President Timmermans.
On 25 November 2014, the Juncker Commission gave a boost to transparency by adopting two Decisions requiring publication of information concerning meetings held by Commissioners, members of their cabinets and Directors-General with organisations and self-employed individuals. EC president Juncker also clarified that in principle, they should only meet organisations and self-employed individuals which feature in the Transparency Register. The Commission is committed both to increased transparency and to maintaining an open and regular dialogue with stakeholders.
Further information
