Moscow, 8 June 2012

Transparency and Integrity in Lobbying

OECD Principles and country experiences

János BertókHead of Public Sector Integrity Division

Transparency and Integrity in Lobbying:

OECD Principles and country experiences

Overview

1.What are the concerns?

2.What are the lessons learned?

3.How can the OECD Principles on Lobbying help?

4.What do the Principles offer?

5.What are elements of strong lobbying regulation?

6.What are the views of lobbyists?

Lobbying is a reality in modern democracies

However, public opinion perceives it with suspicion Areas of concerns:

1. Deals behind closed doors = lack of

transparency

2. Privileged access = revolving doors

3. Improper conduct = personal benefit and

biased decisions

What are the concerns?

What are the lessons learned?

Lobbyists, Government and Public Trust:

Volume 1. Increasing transparency through legislation

Volume 2. Promoting integrity by self-regulation

OECD Principles present guidance to set standards for transparency and integrity in country contexts

Recognise potential of lobbying: supports informed decision making

Depoliticise on-going debate based on evidence: data Lessons

How can the OECD Principles on Lobbying help?

1. Provide Guidance

• Level playing field – maintaining equilibrium of views

• Enhance transparency – disclosure on key aspects

• Foster integrity – guidelines on expected behaviour

• Secure compliance – enabling institutions and

modernise procedures

2. Menu of Policy Options

3. Whole of Government Approach

What do the Principles offer?

What are the elements of a strong lobby regulation?

Rules adequately address public concerns, conform to the socio-political context, consistent with the wider regulatory framework

• Clear definition of lobbyist and lobbying

• Disclosure requirement: intent, beneficiaries, funding

• Set enforceable standards of conduct for fostering a culture of integrity in lobbying: avoid misuse of

confidential information, conflict of interest

• Mechanisms for implementation and securing compliance: management, monitoring and enforcing

What are the views of lobbyists?

It takes two to lobby: two sides of the coin

Views of lobbyists on transparency and integrity

Views of lobbyists 1:

Views of lobbyists 2:

Views of lobbyists 3:

Views of lobbyists 4:

Views of lobbyists 5:

Views of lobbyists 6:

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For further information

Website: www.oecd.org/gov/ethics/lobbying

Selected publications:• Lobbyists, Government and Public Trust, Vol. 2: Promoting Integrity

by Self-regulation (2012)• Public Governance Review of Brazil - Managing Risks for a Cleaner

Public Service (2012)• Principles for Transparency and Integrity in Lobbying (2010)• Lobbyists, Government and Public Trust, Vol. 1: Increasing

Transparency through Legislation (2009)

Contact: Janos.Bertok@oecd.org