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Transparency at EU level

A transparent and open dialogue between the EU institutions and relevant stakeholders is vital for high-quality EU policy-making. We believe that transparent and ethical interest representation should be part of the EU legislative process and helps to achieve high-quality legislation. We are convinced that good and responsible interest representation is about trust.

We have welcomed the European Commission initiatives to increase transparency from its conception in 2005.  The European Transparency Register is a useful trust-building tool and BusinessEurope has been on this register from its beginning. We report on our meetings with EU institutions in our weekly newsletter ‘Headlines’, which is publicly accessible. Our letters and positions are also publicly available on this website.

A distinction should be made between professional lobbies and representative organisations. BusinessEurope and its member federations are not lobby groups, but representative organisations, mandated to defend the collective interest of small, medium and large companies from all sectors of activity. They are also social partners and can be mandated to negotiate with trade unions at EU or national level, as part of the European social dialogue enshrined in the EU treaties.

We are often asked by the EU institutions to provide input on the possible impact of various policy initiatives on competitiveness, growth and employment.

BusinessEurope and its member federations will continue to raise their voice for more growth and more jobs in Europe. We will continue to provide constructive support and input to help ensure high quality in EU policy-making.

Last updated: 16 May 2018