CROATIA LAUNCHES THE FIRST EDITION OF THE ART OF LOBBYING

Croatia has launched the first edition of a magazine called the Art of Lobbying 'LOBIRANJA' created as a voluntary project by the Croatian Society of Lobbyists in cooperation with the students of the Faculty of Economics, the Faculty of Political Science and the Faculty of Law of the University of Zagreb with professional support of the executive operating company Taraban Lobi.

According to the editors " the necessity for creating this type of magazine was invoked by the need to enlighten the public on the inevitability of lobbying in the decision-making process in democratic systems... The editors point out that 'it is the right time for abolishing stereotypes associated with lobbying and for demystifying the profession... and to educate the public, as well as to promote the lobbying profession".

The editors  point out that 'today lobbying in Croatia and within the region is on the same level as the PR industry some fifteen years ago; the first lobbying companies are only beginning to be founded and systematic research has been enhanced at the academic level showing the development of the lobbying practice and tradition'. The editors note that ' Croatia's accession to the European Union is important because it will bring about stronger development of lobbying, as well as its professionalization and specialization; the arrival of foreign public affairs agencies, and a greater presence of Croatian lobbyists in Brussels. This is an excellent opportunity for young professionals who wish to engage in this line of business'.

Finally, the editors acknowledge that 'Lobbying is insufficiently regulated and hence there are negative connotations associated with it. Countries in the region such as Slovenia, Montenegro and Macedonia have adopted lobbying laws, while Croatia and Serbia are still in the legislative process of introducing such laws. Therefore, the main topic of the first edition of this magazine pertains to regulations.

AALEP which has established a Protocol of Co-operation with the Croatian Society of Lobbyists applaudes Croatia's initiative of elevating the profession through this publication. Hereafter is the link to the magazine, which is the first such publication in the Balkans and in Southeast Europe. The magazine is published in Croatian.

http://issuu.com/umijecelobiranja/docs/umijece_lobiranja_001_flash