Consumer organisations and Commission's ‘register of representatives of interests’

24.9.2008

WRITTEN QUESTION E-5329/08
by Giovanna Corda (PSE)
to the Commission

At the end of June 2008, the Commission launched a ‘register of representatives of interests’ and asked consumer organisations to put their names on it.

1. How does the Commission explain this request, given that these organisations are not ‘representatives of interests’ but, rather, are devoted primarily to advising, informing and defending their members?

2. Does the Commission not distinguish between real professional lobbyists whose role is to influence legislation under way to the financial or commercial advantage of their sponsors, and NGOs which exist to serve the citizen?

3. Can the Commission explain what in concrete terms consumer organisations stand to gain from being on this register?

4. As at 18 September 2009, only 338 ‘representatives of interests’ had registered. Does the Commission see this as a success, or does it believe a clearer message should be sent out?

OJ C 316, 23/12/2009