In 2016 Shareholder resolutions filed with 50 companies by 66 institutional and individual investors. Corporate public policy advocacy disclosure remains a top shareholder proposal topic in 2016. At least 66 investors filed proposals at 50 companies asking for public policy advocacy reports that include federal and state public policy advocacy payments, payments to trade associations used for public policy advocacy, and payments to any tax-exempt organization that writes and endorses model legislation.

Best practice requires oversight and approval of significant public policy advocacy activities, expenditures and positions by a standing board committee of independent directors. Leading companies on this issue have recognized that engaging in public policy advocacy requires board oversight because it involves significant shareholder interests and can be intrinsic to the outcome of business strategy.

Source: Inspired by Transparency International Ireland (Author John Devitt).

Adapted to Public Policy Advocacy

1. Legitimacy

Legitimate public policy advocacy means that:

The U.S. has strict nepotism laws. They apply both to government employees and legislators: They cannot hire family for taxpayer's money at all, though they've been known to pay their relatives out of campaign funds.

Source: Transparency International

Ranking out of 176 countries

If no one can say with certainty who will win the presidential election on 7 May, one thing is for certain : the successor of François Hollande will be elected by default and without desire. Because it is not the second round that gives the reality of the winner’s political basis. If present trends remain until the election, the final round will indeed be very singular : the presence practically certain of Marine Le Pen will turn into a rejecting vote in favor of her adversary, possibly Emmanuel Macron according to recent opinion polls.

Over 100 NGOs are calling on the Members of the European Parliament to adopt a strong negotiating position on the EU Transparency Register. Negotiations on the new inter-institutional agreement are expected to start soon between the Parliament, Commission and Council.

The NGOs urge MEPs to:

1. Luxembourg: € 1 998.59
2. Ireland: € 1 563.25
3. Netherlands: € 1 551.60
4. Belgium: € 1 531.93
5. Germany: € 1 498.00
6. France: € 1 480.27
7. United Kingdom: € 1 433.82
8. Spain: € 825.65
9. Slovenia: € 804.96
10. Malta: € 735.63
11. Greece: € 683.76
12. Portugal: € 649.83
13. Estonia: € 470.00
14. Poland: € 464.60
15. Croatia: € 439.33
16. Slovakia: € 435.00
17. Hungary: € 411 (€ 519 for skilled employees)
18. Czech Republic: € 407.00
19. Latvia: € 380.00; Lithuania: € 380.00

Lower House- Member's monthly basic gross salary (does not include bonus, or other advantages) 

We, the Leaders of 27 Member States and of EU institutions, take pride in the achievements of the European Union: the construction of European unity is a bold, far-sighted endeavour. Sixty years ago, recovering from the tragedy of two world wars, we decided to bond together and rebuild our continent from its ashes. We have built a unique Union with common institutions and strong values, a community of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, a major economic power with unparalleled levels of social protection and welfare.