Citizens often hold expectations of the European Union that are not always fulfilled. And vice versa they sometimes have the impression that the Union takes on too much in areas where its involvement is not always essential. Thus the important thing is to clarify, simplify and adjust the division of competence between the Union and the Member States in the light of the new challenges facing the Union.

Three types of codes of conduct affect the operation of lobbyists in a number of countries. The least coercive are the professional codes adopted in several jurisdictions by associations that have been organized by lobbyists themselves. Consequently, though some associations of lobbyists have attempted to discipline disobedient practitioners, the open nature of the business and public ignorance of professional codes has rendered their efforts largely ineffective.

The U.S. Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) has several levels of corporate membership: Founders, President's Circle, Premium Members and Associates.  All corporate executive members have opportunities to hear distinguished speakers, such as overseas Presidents and Prime Ministers, Chairmen and CEOs of multinational corporations, and US officials and Congressmen. President and Premium Members are also entitled to other benefits, including attendance at small, private dinners or receptions with senior American officials and world leaders

Founders

Austria

• Austrian Lobbying & Public Affairs Council (ALPAC) www.alpac.at
• Public Relations Association of Austria (PRVA) www.prva.at

Belgium

• Belgian Public Affairs Community (BEPACT) www.bepact.be/en/
• Belgium Association of Public Relations Consultancies (BPRCA) www.bprca.be

Bulgaria