FOREIGN LOBBYING UNDER THE RADAR

The Transparency Register exempts accredited diplomats, consular officials, and other recognized foreign government representatives from its requirements. Furthermore  a person engaging or agreeing to engage only in private and non-political activities in furtherance of the bona fide trade or commerce of a foreign principal is also not subject to the registration requirement.

It should be noted nevertheless that there are many embassies in Brussels that have dedicated staff whose job it is to liaise with the EU institutions in order to further their national interests. They're engaged in some form of promotion, advocacy, public affairs with the EU institutions.

Today the European Union is represented through 139 EU Delegations and offices abroad. They act as the eyes, ears and mouthpiece of the European Commission vis-à-vis the authorities and population in their host countries. Currently the Transparency Register does not mention contacts that take place outside the European Union. Meetings abroad with EU officials are not subject to disclosure leaving it very tough for the public to ‘link the dots’ on foreign influence.

Currently, anyone trying to influence EU officials on behalf of foreign clients outside the European Union are exempt of registration in the Transparency Register. They should. Anyone who meets with EU officials and member state diplomats outside the EU should be required to register and EU officials abroad should be required to keep a log of their meetings with foreigners.