The importance of EU Lobbying…

1. The importance of EU Lobbying… and Transparency! Catherine Stewart, Chairman, Interel European Affairs Co- Founder, SEAP

2. Lobbying is a valued dialogue “….European policy makers do not operate in isolation from civil society, but maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with representative associations and civil society ” European Commission “lobbying may support informed decision making by providing valuable data and insights for effective public policies” OECD

3. The Myths of Lobbying • Corrupts government • Underpinned with cash • Secretive • One-sided • Big corporations • Against citizens’ interests

4. EU lobbying: different from national lobbying • based on the Europe vision • no politicalfunding • no governmentcontractsatstake • whatyou know NOT whoyou know • multicultural, democratic • open, transparent, professional

5. Lobbyists contribute to better legislation Support +

6. Where lobbying happens • Informal meetings • Formal meetings • Consultations • Position papers • Debates

7. Who are the lobbyists? “All organisations who directly or indirectly influence the policy formulation and decision-making process of the European Instituitons” (Transparency Register) • Consultancies and law firms trade associations • NGOs, charities • Think tanks • Companies • Churches, religious communities • Local, regional and municipal authorities

8. The EU in Brussels: who’s lobbying who EU Agencies Missions Monetary Institutes European Union European Commission EU Delegations Committee of the Regions Int’l Institutions Economic and Social Committee Council of Ministers European Parliament NGOs & Civil Society. Think Tanks Professional Organisations

9. Money does not bring influence • No system of political donation at EU level • Bribing is illegal • Influence is based on good arguments

10. Why lobby?

11. Transparency and ethics - • Aimed at ensuring transparency, integrity,ethical behaviour, professionalism of the sector

12. SEAP Represents individual EU affairs professionals Sets and promotes ethical standards Acts as a link between lobbyists and the EU institutions Supports transparency and professionalism Maintains credibility for the profession

13. Voluntary • Financial Declaration • Code of Conduct EU Transparency Register Joint Register: European Commission and Euroepan Parliament June 2011

14. DOs and DON’Ts conflict

15. Code of Conduct • identify themselves by name and by organisation. • declare the clients and the interests they represent. • ensure that information provided to the EU institutions is accurate, complete and up-to-date to the best of their knowledge. • not obtain or try to obtain information dishonestly from the EU institutions. • not induce EU officials to contravene standards of behaviour applicable to him or her. • if employing former EU officials, respect their obligation to abide by the rules and confidentiality requirements which apply to them.

16. Situation no. 1 • You have obtained a confidential document in an early draft stage from a Commission official. You have worked on it and added some recommendations. Are you entitled to sell it to your client?

17. Situation no. 2 • You need to do a policy audit on a specific topic. You create a Facebook group and invite MEPs to join. Do you tell them who you are and for whom you work?

18. Situation no. 3 • Your company is organising an event. You have been requested to invite a DG of the Commission and an MEP in a relevant policy area. What does the Code say with respect to this situation? Do you pay travel costs?

19. Situation no. 4 • Your client wants you to obtain confidential information from the EU institutions without revealing who you are working for. Do you do it? How far are you willing/able to go?

20. Questions?