What rules apply to lobbying the European Parliament?

Institutional lobbying pushed too far – that seems to be at the heart of the corruption scandal shaking the European Parliament. Yet, lobbying activities are supposed to be regulated by rules designed to prevent such excesses. 

The EU does not use the word “lobbyist” but rather “interest representative”, and defines this as “any natural or legal person, or formal or informal group, association or network, that engages in [...] activities with the objective of influencing the formulation or implementation of policy or legislation, or the decision-making processes”, in interinstitutional agreements drafted in 2021.  

In other words, any person who is organising events addressing legislation, participating in consultations with the Commission or writing open letters about current topics can be considered as a lobbyist.  

Most high-profile lobbying campaigns involve tech, pharmaceutical or agrifood companies, but all sectors are affected: from protection of the environment, the cinema industry or even coffee makers.  

This activity is legal - it is even mentioned in the treaty of the EU - but the potential for corruption arises where persuasion is in exchange for money. The Code of Conduct of lawmakers specifies that it is forbidden for MEPs to “solicit, accept or receive any direct or indirect benefit or other reward, including in cash or in kind, in exchange for specific behaviour in the scope of the Member's parliamentary work," and they "shall consciously seek to avoid any situation which might imply bribery, corruption, or undue influence.” 

Members also have to declare gifts that they receive as a result of being an MEP and valuing €150 or more, for which a public register is maintained. 

Currently, 13,762 organisations and