Doc. 11105

5 December 2006

European code of conduct on lobbying including guidelines for politicians, lobbyists and corporations

Motion for a resolution

presented by Mrs Gacek and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

The pluralism of interests is an important feature of democracy. It is therefore legitimate that members of society organise and lobby for their interests. However, lobbying does lead to the risk that democratic principles may be corrupted. The power of corporations to influence politicians can lead to unequal access to law and decision making processes vis-à-vis the ordinary citizen.

Very few European countries have regulated lobbying. A European code of conduct for lobbyists could be a valuable step in strengthening transparency, accountability and citizen’s participation in the democratic process. However experience in countries that have implemented lobbying legislation shows that this should only be one part of a broader range of guidelines and measures.

It is also important that responsible corporations understand that they have a vital role to play in the process.

The Octopus Interface Conference on Corruption and Democracy held in Strasbourg on 20-21 November 2006 concluded that PACE should take up this issue.

We therefore request that the Council of Europe prepares a European code of conduct on lobbying including guidelines for politicians, lobbyists and corporations.

Signed (see overleaf)

Signed 1:

ATEŞ, Abdülkadir, Turkey, SOC

1        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      ALDE: Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group