Dimension: 2.1.5 Lobbying
This dimension concerns the regulation of lobbying in the parliamentary context and its implementation in practice, as well as the transparency of lobbying activities. For the purpose of this dimension, lobbying is understood as acts by individuals or groups, each with varying and specific interests, which attempt to influence decisions taken at the political level.
While lobbying can be a legitimate means to put forwards the interests of a specific group, it can also be a mechanism to influence laws and policies at the expense of the public interest. Sound and enforceable legal frameworks, and corresponding parliamentary rules on lobbying, are important to prevent undue influence on MPs and other public decision makers.
The law should provide a precise definition of what lobbying is, what constitutes lobbying activities, and who must register as lobbyists. Potential categories of lobbyists could include professional consultancies and law firms, self-employed consultants, in-house lobbyists and trade/professional associations, civil society organizations, think tanks, research and academic institutions, organizations representing churches and religious communities, organizations representing local, regional and municipal authorities, and other public or mixed entities.
All lobbying activities, including so-called professional lobbying and lobbying by interest groups, should be recorded in a publicly available register with accurate and up-to-date information, including on lobbyists, their clients and finances.
Political activity between MPs with a view to obtaining support for their proposals does not fall within the scope of lobbying for the purpose of this dimension.
Aspiring goal
Assess your parliament against this dimension
Assessment criteria
No 1: Legal framework
The legal framework contains provisions on the lobbying of MPs and other public office holders. It sets out clearly defined categories of lobbyists who are required to register.
No 2: Rules on transparency, confidentiality and conflicts of interest
There are clear rules on transparency, confidentiality and conflicts of interest for lobbyists, as well as for MPs and other public office holders.
No 3: Register of lobbyists
There is a publicly available statutory register of parliamentary lobbyists, with complete information about lobbyists’ clients and finances. Information in the register is updated in a timely manner.
No 4: Reporting of illegal lobbying activity
MPs and other public office holders are obliged to report any suspicions of illegal lobbying activity to parliament and/or to other relevant authorities.
No 5: Compliance
A non-partisan body is tasked with periodically reviewing compliance with disclosure requirements, and with holding lobbyists, MPs and other public office holders to account in the event of a breach of the rules.
How to complete this assessment
This dimension is assessed against several criteria, each of which should be evaluated separately. For each criterion, select one of the six descriptive grades (Non-existent, Rudimentary, Basic, Good, Very good and Excellent) that best reflects the situation in your parliament, and provide details of the evidence on which this assessment is based.
The evidence for assessment of this dimension could include the following:
- Provisions of the legal framework relating to lobbying and lobbying activities
- Parliamentary rules of procedure relating to lobbying and lobbying activities
- Register of lobbyists (such as a statute or weblink)
Where relevant, provide additional comments or examples that support the assessment.
Sources and further reading
- European Commission, “Transparency Register”.
- European Commission for Democracy Democracy The belief in freedom and equality between people, or a system of government based on this belief, in which power is held either by elected representatives or directly by the people themselves. Also, a basic right of citizenship to be exercised under conditions of freedom, equality, transparency and responsibility, with due respect for the plurality of views, and in the interest of the polity. through Law Law A body of rules of action or conduct prescribed by a controlling authority (usually passed by parliament), which has a binding legal force and must be obeyed and followed by citizens, subject to sanctions or legal consequences. Also, the whole body of binding customs, practices or rules of a community prescribed or formally recognized and enforced by a controlling authority. See also: Act of parliament, Bill, Law-making Law-making The legislative process or the act of legislating, i.e. the process by which laws are made. See also: Act of parliament, Law and Legislation Legislation A law or a set of laws that have been passed by parliament. The word is also used to describe the act of making a new law. See also: Act of parliament, Law and Law-making. . and Legislation Legislation A law or a set of laws that have been passed by parliament. The word is also used to describe the act of making a new law. See also: Act of parliament, Law and Law-making. . (Venice Commission), Report on the legal framework for the regulation of lobbying in the Council of Europe member states (2011).
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Recommendation of the Council on Principles for Transparency and Integrity in Lobbying (2010).
- OECD, Lobbying in the 21st Century: Transparency, Integrity and Access (2021).
Get help with this assessment
The assessment of indicators involves diagnosing and considering strengths and weaknesses, i.e. the things parliament is doing well, and the things it could do better or more effectively, taking into account established good practices that are described in the indicators.
Read the assessment guidance to find out what to consider when conducting an assessment against the Indicators. Find out how to prepare, how to set the objectives of the assessment, how to organize the process, and more. Contact the project partners for expert advice.
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