EP's amendment on law firms stirs controversy

摘要

Lobbyists' associations are on the whole satisfied with MEPs' vote, on 8 May, on the framework for the activities of interest representatives in Brussels. However, the exclusion from the definition of lobbyists of law firms, when they are providing "legal assistance and defence in legal proceedings or give legal advice," arouses concern. The Alliance for Lobbying Transparency and Ethics Regulation (ALTER-EU) regrets that the EPP-ED and ALDE groups contributed to the approval of a controversial amendment creating a 'way out' for law firms. ALTER-EU believes that the EP's approving vote follows "increasing pressure from special interest groups such as the Council of Bars and Law Societies".