New transparency rules for lobbying by third countries

The members of the EU Parliament have dealt with new transparency rules for interest representation carried out on behalf of non-EU countries. A 2023 Eurobarometer survey found that 81% of Europeans are concerned about foreign actors influencing democratic processes. EU countries currently approach advocacy activities differently, but often use mandatory or voluntary transparency registers. The aim of the directive is to create common minimum standards in all member states and to increase transparency and accountability for lobbying by third countries. The plan includes, among other things, more uniform definitions and an EU-wide coordinated framework for transparency registers. A uniform definition is intended to ensure that only relevant activities, i.e. those that involve the provision of information with the aim of influencing political, legislative or public decision-making, fall within the scope. Member States should designate independent authorities to monitor compliance. In addition, the aim is to network national registers by means of a public access system at EU level in order to facilitate access to information and avoid bureaucratic hurdles, especially for small and medium-sized companies. Critics of the new measures fear bureaucracy and legal uncertainty that these new rules could bring with them. It is also unclear whether they will restrict civil society's scope for action, for example by possibly stigmatizing NGOs and imposing sanctions on them. Attention: The voting results shown on the right only reflect the voting behavior of the 96 German MEPs and not that of all 720 MEPs. Overall, the draft directive was adopted with 392 votes in favour, 82 against and 133 abstentions. Of the German MEPs, 36 voted for and 22 against. There were 23 abstentions.

Vote breakdown