Information on the transparency and role of special interest lobby groups
15.11.2012
Question for written answer E-010441-12
to the Commission
Rule 117
Roberta Angelilli (PPE)
A paper which appeared recently, entitled ‘The greatest crime’, highlights the mechanisms and influence apparently enjoyed by European lobby groups, particularly in influencing the documents and legislative activity of the various EU institutions, especially the Commission.
The paper refers to associations such as Business Europe and the European Round Table of Industrialists, and gives some examples of how documents, statements and studies by these associations have been included in official Commission texts and proposals.
The independence of the EU’s institutions from any form of interference or pressure is one of the principles on which the founding treaties are based, and to this end, in June 2012, the Commission launched the new ‘Transparency’ portal, with the aim of facilitating access by citizens to documents and information on groups of experts and consultative committees, lobby groups and special interest lobby groups. In view of this:
- 1.Can the Commission say whether it is aware of the abovementioned paper?
- 2.Could it provide an updated picture of the measures designed to guarantee and promote the transparency and propriety of work by EU institutions?
- 3.Could it provide a general overview of the situation?
OJ C 330 E, 14/11/2013