Source: European Parliament
In well-functioning democracies, transparent and accountable interest representation is a legitimate activity. Transparency of information about interest representation activities and entities carrying out such activities is essential for maintaining both EU citizens’ trust in democratic processes and decision-makers’ ability to exercise their responsibilities.
In 2023, the Commission presented the Defence of Democracy package[1] which includes a legislative proposal that aims to enhance transparency and democratic accountability of interest representation activities on behalf of third countries which seek to influence policies, decision making and the democratic space. The proposal is currently being discussed by the co-legislators.
At EU level, the EU Transparency Register[2] covers activities carried out by interest representatives with the objective of influencing the formulation or implementation of policy or legislation, or the decision-making processes of the EU institutions. It is up to each EU institution to define the rules on their interaction with interest representatives.