Corporate power in Brussels23 October 2008
More than 15,000 lobbyists roam the EU's corridors of power. There are no rules regulating their activities.
These lobbyists can work in complete secrecy, influencing important decisions that affect the lives of every European citizen.
A first step
Years of pressure has finally led to a step towards making the multi-million Euro lobbying business in Brussels transparent and accountable.
The European Commission launched a voluntary system on 23 June 2008.
But this lobbying transparency register will do little to address the secrecy and unaccountability of lobbying in Europe.
The influence of big business
Big business has a disproportionate influence over EU decisions.
The Commission's system will:
- Hide the names of individual lobbyists
- Fail to disclose meaningful financial information on lobbying activities
Without knowing how much is being paid to which lobbyists, the Commission's system is virtually useless.
The lobbyists who want to work in secret and hide their commercial and political interests are still free to do so in a voluntary system.
The lobbying transparency register is a small step where a giant leap is needed.
Friends of the Earth will be working with partner organisations to persuade the Commission to take the needed leap.
