Greater openness and transparency on public policy formulation, development and decision-making is considered central to securing more effective public governance.

1. Does the definition of lobbyist adequately cover the type of lobbyist whose conduct or involvement is most likely to affect public perceptions as to transparency, accountability and fairness of decision-making?
2. To what extent does indirect lobbying occur in your country ?
3. Are there any recent examples of indirect lobbying in your country?
4. Is there any evidence of “astroturf lobbying” in your country?
5. What role do lobbyists play in your country ?

According to Transparency International (TI) EU Office, Members of the European Parliament must be more transparent about the on-the side activities they do while in public office. The findings come from the new EU Integrity Watch database which will for the first time collect all available information on the outside activities and incomes of MEPs. The database provides a comprehensive overview of MEP's outside revenues.

Interel has just announced the opening a new office in Beijing, China. This office will be led by Managing Partner, Mark Pinner. We reproduce hereunder an article written by Mr. Mark Pinner on Public Affairs in China. The opinions expressed in this article are only those of Mr. Mark Pinner.

What if it is impossible for governments in France and Italy to abide by EU budget rules, because raising taxes and cutting public spending would crush economic activity and thus widen budget deficits instead of reducing them? What if electorates refuse to accept a decade of austerity and stagnation simply for the sake of preserving the EU monetary and fiscal rules?

Summary

• Gender: 9 women, 19 Men
• Groups: 14 EPP, 8 S&D, 5 ALDE, 1 ECR
• Commissioners: 7 Returning, 4 Former Prime Ministers
• European Parliament: 423 Votes in favour, 209 Votes against, 67 Abstentions

In Office as of 1st November 2014

The U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut has ruled that Attorney-Lobbyists’ communications with corporate clients enjoy only limited protection under the Attorney-Client privilege. This decision joins similar rulings from federal courts in New York and Texas.

Rationale and background for the changes  

1. Afghanistan:  (EU, EAEC). Also accredited in Belgium, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
2. Albania: (EU, EAEC)
3. Algeria: (EU, EAEC). Also accredited in Belgium, Luxembourg
4. Andorra: (EU, EAEC). Also accredited in Belgium
5. Angola:  (EU, EAEC). Also accredited in Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands
6. Antigua and Barbuda: (EU, EAEC)
7. Argentina: (EU, EAEC). Also accredited in Belgium

A successful lobbying campaign is an ongoing process. It’s not done in a day or two, it may take months. But there are steps that every campaign must take to be successful.

Lobbying, at its core, is about relationship building. But a successful professional lobbyist is also a strategist. He knows when to say the right things, at the right time, to the right people. He knows the EU decision making process inside out. These two factors, relationship building and being a strategist, must work together in order for there to be success.