WHAT IS THE EULOBBY-NETWORK (ELNET) ?

ELNET is a non-profit international Association (Association internationale sans but lucratif) under Belgian law.

Definition:

Lobbying is defined as the specific efforts to influence public decision-making either by pressing for change in policy or seeking to prevent such change. It consists of representations to [and/or policy relevant discussion with] any public office holder on any aspect of policy, or any measure implementing that policy, or any matter being considered, or which is likely to be considered by a public body.

Preamble

For a meaningful discussion on how to frame lobbying at Member State and/or EU level, it is necessary to define the basic framework on which the relationship between the national and/or EU institutions and lobbyists should be built. The following components are considered essential:

• Lobbying is a legitimate part of the democratic system regardless of whether it is carried out by individual citizens or companies, civil society organisations and other interest groups or firms working on behalf of third parties (public affairs professionals, think-tanks and lawyers).

• Lobbyists can help bring important issues to the attention of the national and/or European institutions.

• At the same time, undue influence should not be exerted on national and/or European institutions through improper lobbying.

• When lobby groups seek to contribute to national and/or EU policy development, it must be clear to the general public which input they provide to the national and/or European institutions. It must also be clear who they represent, what their mission is and how they are funded.

• Measures in the field of transparency must be effective and proportionate.

Purpose of EULOBBY-NETWORK

The purpose of the Network is

• to establish contacts, exchange programmes and links among professional associations and groups active in the field of lobbying and through them between corporate bodies or individuals who are professionally active in the field of lobbying and are members thereof.
• to study and implement all measures aimed at harmonizing the doctrine, ethics, deontology and practice of lobbying, as well as teaching of that subject;
• to promote the development of a pan-European network of lobbying practitioners;
• to record and gather all documentation pertaining to lobbying and to initiate or encourage research work on the subject;
• to promote and develop the profession of lobbying and, with that objective in mind, to organize all sorts of events (meetings, seminars, lectures, congresses) intended to promote and achieve those objectives;
• to obtain the legal status and recognition of the profession and the practice of lobbying in Belgium and in the Member States of the European Union;
• to represent professional lobbyists before the national and European institutions, administrations and organizations and to develop with them such relations as to enable the fulfillment of the association’s objectives
• to study and undertake a strategic and legislative monitoring of legislations at the European level.

OUR MISSION

To support members by:

• Advising and training via talks, seminars and workshops
• Establishing a database of the membership and the members’ areas of interest
• Providing a network environment via regular meetings and distribution of the database
• Maintaining a website for the benefit of its members
• Developing and implementing a publicity programme