Liberals & Democrats back Commission transparency initiative of lobbyists

5.37.37pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 3rd May 2006

ALDE members reacted positively today to the Commission's consultative Green paper on improving the transparency of the activities of interest groups influencing decision-making in the EU.

Graham Watson MEP (UK, Lib Dem), ALDE group leader said:

"I share Vice-President Siim Kallas' opinion that high standards of transparency and accountability must be part of any modern administration."

"The thousands of lobbyists based in Brussels now and influencing the development of EU legislation play an important role in informing MEPs and officials and raising awareness of issues relevant to the citizen," he added. "However the number and importance of laws nowadays originating in Brussels makes it essential to have a clear and transparent register of those groups shaping the nature of proposals. A strengthened voluntary register is the right way forward."

Silvana Koch-Mehrin, ALDE Vice-President (FDP, Germany), also welcomed the publication of the communication:

"I whole-heartedly welcome this initiative. Transparency is a precondition of trust. EU-citizens have a right to know how tax-payers´ money is being spent. Likewise, EU-decision-makers have the right to know whom lobbyists really represent, especially regarding NGOs."

Janelly FOURTOU, MEP (UDF, FR) and member of Parliament's Internal Market committee which handles many draft legislative proposals from the Commission added:

"The fact that many people are unaware of community decision-taking procedures has led to a democratic deficit and even a rejection by many of further European cooperation. It is very important that the European institutions be transparent. Such transparency measures will enable European citizens to better understand the legislative process."