Understanding lobbying

In short: Lobbying refers to the organised attempt to influence political decisions in the interest of specific groups. Associations, companies and non-governmental organisations all engage in lobbying alike.

In more detail: Lobbying is fundamentally legal in democracies and part of the political process, but can also bring transparency problems.

In detail

• Methods: Talks with members of parliament, statements on draft legislation, studies and public relations.
• Actors: Business associations, trade unions, environmental organisations and patient groups all engage in lobbying.
• Lobby register: In Germany and at EU level there are registers that lobby actors must disclose themselves in.
• Criticisms: Unequal access between well-funded and small organisations is frequently criticised.
• Revolving door effect: Politicians moving into business and vice versa raises conflicts of interest.
• Transparency rules: Disclosure requirements aim to make influence traceable.
• Citizen participation: Petitions and citizens’ initiatives are a form of lobbying from below (buergerinitiativen-ehrenamt-und-engagement).