# 2012 Regional Policy Paper #3: Lobbying in the European Union: Levelling the playing field URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/2012-regional-policy-paper-3-lobbying-in-the-european-union-levelling-the-p Type: Publication or report Published: 2012-11-28 Updated: 2019-11-22 --- 28 November 2012 In Brussels and across Europe, unregulated lobbying and limited controls over parliamentarians’ conduct pose serious corruption risks. Despite widespread calls for regulating lobbying activities, opaque rules remain the standard in many countries, causing lobbying activities to be veiled in secrecy. A recent study conducted by Transparency International in 25 European countries shows that only 6 have some form – in many cases minimal – of regulation over lobbying. Efforts are needed around Europe to lift the shroud off of lobbying through stronger controls and sanctions, mandatory lobbying registers, and regulation of the “revolving door” between the public and private sectors. ### Related publications ## [Accelerating Action Against Criminal and Corrupt Wealth: Recommendations for the London Illicit Finance Summit](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/recommendations-london-illicit-finance-summit) Publication • 28 May 2026 This paper sets out recommendations on how governments participating in the UK Illicit Finance Summit can deliver credible and ambitious outcomes. ## [G20 Position Paper: Financial integrity for sustainable development and inequality reduction](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/financial-integrity-for-sustainable-development-and-inequality-reduction) Publication • 08 October 2024 A lack of high-level engagement on corruption has weakened the clarity and impact of G20 anti-corruption initiatives for sustainable development. ## [Behind a Wall: Investigating Company and Real Estate Ownership in France](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/behind-a-wall-company-real-estate-ownership-in-france) Publication • 05 July 2023 Despite transparency rules, the vast majority of corporate-owned real estate in France is held anonymously. ## [Tackling land corruption is vital to achieving land rights and the 2030 SDG agenda](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/tackling-land-corruption-achieving-land-rights-2030-sdg-agenda) Publication • 29 June 2023 This policy brief provides recommendations for transparent land governance to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal-related targets. ## Countries - [Belgium](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/belgium) - [Bulgaria](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/bulgaria) - [France](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/france) - [Germany](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/germany) - [Greece](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/greece) - [Ireland](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/ireland) - [Latvia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/latvia) - [Lithuania](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/lithuania) - [Netherlands](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/netherlands) - [Norway](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/norway) - [Poland](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/poland) - [Slovenia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/slovenia) - [United Kingdom](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/united-kingdom) ![](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2012_ENISRegionalPolicyPaper_Lobbying_EN_116.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Download](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2012_ENISRegionalPolicyPaper_Lobbying_EN.pdf)