MEPs in the constitutional affairs committee have called for a common register and common code of conduct for lobbyists between the European Parliament, the Commission and the Council. Voting this week on a report by centre-right Finnish MEP Alexander Stubb on the activities of so-called interest representatives, MEPs also advocated full financial disclosure for lobbyists and improved transparency through clearer definitions. "Lobbies are an essential part of the work done by MEPs. Policy making would be very poor without their contribution," Mr Stubb said on 1 April, acknowledging, however, that MEPs must be able to identify the organisations represented by lobby groups: "With this report we ensure a level playing field to lobbies and increase transparency," Mr Stubb said.
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