UTILITY OF LOBBYING
108. Both the European Parliament and the Commission
took what David Harley described as "fairly conventional
views" on the role of lobbying in the legislative process—that
it is useful in providing information to institutions and part
of the necessary dialogue in a pluralistic, democratic political
context. (Q 424)
109. Lord Kinnock considered that the contribution
to policy development, drafting of law and assessment of effectiveness
made by professional bodies of repute and expertise was invaluable.
The submissions of such bodies were grounded in real experience.
He drew a distinction between "professional bodies with recognised
expertise that are prepared to donate advice, information and
ideas" and professional lobbying firms which have not done
service in the area of activity concerned. He thought that, so
long as Commission officials understood whom a lobbyist represents
and the purpose of their lobbying, it was fairly easy to tread
the strait and narrow. The Commission had, for this reason, been
trying to draw up guidelines and rules of the game for lobbying.
He noted that "there are reputable, established lobbying
firms in Brussels who would be very happy to have that body of
rules." (Q 114)
110. The European Parliament has had a register
of lobbyists since 1996. It is de facto mandatory since
registration is a requirement for obtaining an identity pass permitting
access to the Parliament's premises. Those registered must abide
by the Parliament's Code of Conduct, breach of which may lead
to withdrawal of the pass.[35]
The Parliament appears further advanced in a number of respects
than the Commission, which announced the establishment of its
register of lobbyists and Code of Conduct only on 23 June
2008.[36] The Parliament's
register is mandatory; there appears to be an effective sanction
for breach of its Code; and individuals (rather than organisations)
must register.
111. David Harley told us that the European Parliament
considered that, properly registered and regulated, lobbyists
perform a useful function in the legislative process. He referred
to the European Parliament's resolution[37]
calling for a common (Parliament and Commission) register and
a mandatory system of registration, including full disclosure
of financial contributions to lobbyists' funds. (Q 424) Subject
to that, the Parliament encourages lobbyists. The Minister for
Europe agreed that lobbying was not yet sufficiently transparent.
He considered the current proposals from the European Parliament
were sensible, though the Government had yet to take a firm view
on the proposals. (QQ 474, 480)
EU FUNDING
112. Some interest groups receive funds from
the EU budget. Tony Long told us, for example, that about 35 environmental
groups benefited from funding from the EU budget amounting to
some 7 million euros in total. His own organisation (the World
Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)) received about 600,000 euros, which
represented about 15% of its annual expenditure. (Q 123)
113. Lord Brittan said that, were he still a
Commissioner, he would have been profoundly unhappy with a consultation
where the only NGOs consulted were those in receipt of funding
from the EU budget. (Q 71)
114. Catherine Day argued that the system of
funding was justified. At the beginning of developing a policy,
the Commission seeks to consult widely with relevant interests
including civil society generally and non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) in particular. "We need them to be organised and participate
in the consultative process." NGOs which depend on public
subscriptions can find it difficult to survive. Funds are, therefore,
made available in the EU budget for NGOs in the environment, social
and development areas in particular. In answer to the point that
such funding might raise problems (for example, that the Commission
might only fund NGOs sympathetic to its views) Catherine Day argued
that the "fact that it is an uncomfortable arrangement keeps
both Commission and the NGOs on their toes", and that the
NGOs were "in no sense tame poodles". (Q 358) Roberto
Ferrigno from the perspective of a professional consulting agency,
also saw this as part of an effort by the Commission and the EP
to improve access to policy-making for groups which have not had
a voice. (Q 189)
33 The Commission has estimated that there are around
15,000 lobbyists seeking to influence EU officials and Members
of the European Parliament: see European Parliament resolution
of 8 May 2008 on the development of the framework for the activities
of interest representatives (lobbyists) in the European Institutions.
FN: 2007/2215/INI. Back
34
Regulation (EC) 717/207; OJ L 171, 29 June 2007, p 32. Back
35
Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament (16th edition),
rule 9(4) and Annex IX. Back
36
Press release "Shining a light on EU law-making", 23
June 2008. Back
37
European Parliament resolution of 8 May 2008 on the development
of the framework for the activities of interest representatives
(lobbyists) in the European Institutions (2007/2215/INI). Back
