2.1. Register of interest representatives

The decision to set up a register can be found in the Commission's policy paper of 21 March 2007.

The idea is that everyone should be able to find out what interests – general or specific – are brought to bear on the EU's decision-making processes and what resources are at the disposal of those various interests. The register gives interest representatives an opportunity to demonstrate the legitimacy of what they are doing and their commitment to transparency.

All interest representatives can sign up to the register. The register does not cover legal or professional advice to courts or administrative tribunals, social partners as representatives in the social dialogue, activities carried out under the direct instructions of the Commission or activities carried out by the authorities.

To register, interest representatives have to give the name of their organisation, the person in charge of it and contact details. They must describe their objectives and the the policy areas they are particularly interested in. They can also give information about any affiliations to associations or federations, to make their links with other possible sources of influence more transparent. And they can give details of their main representing activities.

They are also required to provide certain financial information:

All information in the register must be updated annually.

Register of interest representatives