Who gets Community funding? What influence do lobbies have? What rules of conduct do those in charge of EU institutions have to follow?
As more than 15 000 lobbyists are active in Brussels and their interactions with EU institutions have considerably increased, the development of civil dialogue also requires a more open and transparent EU process. These questions have been at the heart of the Transparency Initiative launched in 2005 by the European Commission.
Together with the Social Platform and the Civil Society Contact Group, EAPN is also advocating for:
- Acknowledging the diverse types of interests being represented, while applying equal rules to all and not closing the door to the smaller organisations.
- Enhanced ethical rules and reinforced information on the background of lobbyists.
- Full transparency over the use of EU funds.
More information on the transparency initiative can be found on the website of the Civil Society Contact Group and the Social Platform.