Articles

During one of DG Trade's recent meetings with civil society, I raised CEO's concerns about the privileged access given to big business interests by the Commission when developing trade policy. The reply from Director General, David O'Sullivan, was surprisingly frank.

During one of DG Trade's recent meetings with civil society, I raised CEO's concerns about the privileged access given to big business interests by the Commission when developing trade policy. The reply from Director General, David O'Sullivan, was surprisingly frank.

As law firms continue to evade transparency on their lobbying activities by boycotting the European Commission’s register of interest representatives, Corporate Europe Observatory decided to shed some light on the extent of law firm lobbying in Brussels.Law firms are not required to register their activities – the Commission’s register remains voluntary for all interest representatives – and in July, just four law firms had registered.

Many key committees will for the next five years be headed by MEPs who have a record of close links with big business interests in decisions on environment and consumer rights. This highlights the need to improve the European Parliament’s current rules on corporate donations and links to commercial interests.

As yet, it is not clear whether the Commission will announce changes to the lobby transparency register before the summer break or wait until September.