martes, 29 de octubre de 2013

Full EU lobby transparency now

Full EU lobby transparency now



Why this is important

Help us to stop secret lobbying in Brussels.

Decision-makers in Brussels decide on many areas of law which affect our daily lives. And for every important decision made, corporate lobbyists are there: meeting officials, sitting on top-level advisory groups, wining and dining politicians, drafting amendments... and all too often, these tactics work. Internet firms weaken data privacy proposals, big banks avoid effective regulation and dirty cars continue to pollute our streets.

Lobbying works in Brussels, partly because it is able to operate in the shadows, and away from the glare of publicity. Thousands of lobbyists boycott the voluntary EU lobby register including virtually all law firms that lobby on behalf of industry clients. Many of the companies and organisations that do sign up, fail to provide comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date information on their activities. And unfortunately, the EU institutions seem happy to let this situation continue.

You can help us to change this situation. Right now, the lobby register is being reviewed in a series of meetings (mostly held in secret) between the Commission and MEPs. In November, they will finalise their views and it is vital that we do not lose this unique opportunity to demand change.

Join with us to demand that the 20,000 lobbyists in Brussels are properly regulated. Help us to shine a spotlight on the lobby capital of Europe by demanding an ambitious and mandatory lobby register.