What Is the EU Transparency Register?
How the EU tracks lobbying activity and why it matters.
What is the Transparency Register?
The EU Transparency Register is a public database of organisations and individuals that try to influence EU policy-making. It is jointly run by the European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission.
Who registers?
Consultancies, law firms, trade associations, NGOs, think tanks, and companies all register. Registration is required for meetings with Commissioners and their cabinets, and for access to Parliament buildings.
What information is public?
Registered organisations must declare their policy areas, estimated lobbying budget, number of staff involved in lobbying, and any clients they represent. Commissioner meeting schedules are also published.
Why it matters
Transparency about lobbying helps citizens understand who is trying to influence the laws that affect their lives. It enables journalists and researchers to track the relationship between lobbying activity and legislative outcomes.