EPACA Statement on Transparency

As the representative body for consultancies engaging with EU institutions, EPACA has consistently supported initiatives that strengthen democratic legitimacy and transparency in EU policymaking. We have actively welcomed the creation and successive improvements of the EU Transparency Register and have long advocated for meaningful conditionality measures, such as requiring institutions to meet only with registered lobbyists or granting access badges exclusively to entities listed in the register. Transparency is a cornerstone of good governance. It ensures that policymakers are informed about who they meet, the interests they represent, and the sources of their funding. As professional advocates, we are committed to upholding these standards and believe transparency builds trust and accountability in the policymaking process.

However, we have observed a recent shift toward measures whose impact on transparency is questionable. For example, the European Commission’s decision to publish detailed minutes of stakeholder meetings may create unintended barriers to open dialogue and risk discouraging the sharing of sensitive or confidential insights. Similarly, new procedural requirements such as declaring the purpose of a parliamentary visit introduce unnecessary administrative burdens without clear evidence of added value.

We are concerned that such initiatives, while well-intentioned, may give the appearance of enhancing transparency without addressing its core challenges. They risk penalising actors who already operate within the established legal and ethical framework – such as those who register, disclose interests, and seek official meetings with EU institutions – while leaving less visible forms of influence unchecked. EPACA calls on the EU institutions to move beyond symbolic gestures and instead focus on reforms that truly strengthen transparency, inclusivity, and trust in the EU decision-making process. Effective transparency should facilitate, not discourage, constructive stakeholder engagement that leads to better policy outcomes.

As the representative voice of a significant segment of the EU’s stakeholder community, EPACA remains committed to constructive dialogue with the EU institutions. We will seek clarity on the intended goals of the recent measures and stand ready to contribute to the development of fair and proportionate transparency rules that are grounded in real impact.