The development of open democratic procedures in government naturally encourages the emergence and participation of many interest groups, both within and outside of government in public policy decision making.

The EU Transparency Register clearly states that ‘Think-Tanks and Research Institutions’ dealing with the activities and policies of the European Union must register.

Put simply, a think-tank usually conducts in-depth research into a particular/issue or cause, preferably coming up with some new ideas as well as create specific policy recommendations regarding the issue based on it’s in-depth research, to Government, Business, Trade associations, Unions etc.

Public Policy Advocates are able to exploit the opportunity structure offered by the EU political system and thus participate in the policy making process by offering their expertise on both the procedures and the content of policy and by establishing contacts with decision makers.

The Joint Transparency Register Secretariat points out that in democracies, citizens have the right to freely convey their individual or collective views to decision-makers. They can naturally do so directly themselves, but they can also mandate intermediaries to represent them and advocate on their behalf. Public decision makers it goes to say need themselves a wide exposure and a wide diversity of input to be able to make informed decisions and to deliver appropriate policies matching realities.