Openness and transparency in government relations – is it possible?

Government relations, simply put, is the interaction between businesses and organisations with government institutions and legislators. Such regular dialogue plays a crucial role in today’s democratic process, bridging the public, private sector, and government institutions. Engaging stakeholders enables lawmakers to develop effective policies and promote balanced regulation. Regular communication between decision-makers and businesses or organisations facilitates informed decisions on both sides.

Representing stakeholders’ interests is better known as lobbying, although due to the negative connotation of the word, alternatives like “advocacy” or broader terms like “influencing politicians” have been sought.

“Regular communication between decision-makers and businesses or organisations facilitates informed decisions on both sides.”

Indeed, even the Estonian explanatory dictionary defines lobbying as “informal influencing of parliament members or other decision-makers through gifts, bribes, etc., in hopes of receiving favourable decisions for one’s interest group.” Such a condemning definition is likely why democratic countries and organisations have attempted to regulate lobbying for years.

As lobbying has become more prevalent, the rules in this field have tightened at the EU level in recent years. This, of course, has been driven by incidents that unfortunately deepen the negative perception surrounding lobbying. The latest scandal to shake Europe’s political landscape, “Qatargate,” involved an investigation into whether Qatar unlawfully influenced or even bribed European Parliament members to achieve foreign policy goals. This case prompted a wave of new laws.

Just a few mandates ago, Members of the European Parliament were relatively free in their meetings’ schedule; now, MEPs and their advisors are required to disclose all meetings with lobby groups regularly.

European countries have adopted different practices and regulations to manage lobbying and ensure transparency. In many countries, lobbying disclosure is voluntary, but both businesses and the public sector increasingly understand the growing pressure to act more transparently.

The number of lobbyists registered in the EU Transparency Register has grown significantly since its creation in 2021, rising from 5,500 to approximately 12,500 in 2024. It is important to note though that being listed in the transparency register is a prerequisite for a lobbyist to obtain an access badge to the European Parliament. In the UK, the number of members in the lobbying registry increased sharply in 2022 when the Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists conducted a broad campaign promoting transparency.

In France, since 2018, lobbyists have been required to disclose their activities in considerable detail in a dedicated registry. Lobbying activities are categorised as “principal” and “regular”, and general information about the type or level of public official (such as minister or cabinet) met with and even approximate lobbying expenses must be provided. If legal requirements are not met and the registrant does not comply, sanctions can reach up to a €15,000 fine or a year’s imprisonment.

In Sweden, as in the Nordics more broadly, lobbying is not regulated. A different approach is used, focusing on ethical guidelines and self-regulation. The system relies on the commitment of lobbyists and organisations to follow ethical practices. Emphasis is placed on public accountability. Illegal lobbying is subject to influence-peddling regulations.

In Estonia, in 2021, the government approved a code of good practice for officials’ communication with lobbyists, prepared by the Ministry of Justice. This code requires senior officials to disclose meetings at least once a quarter. While there are no written rules for advocates in Estonia, consultants are under increased pressure to follow higher transparency standards and maintain expertise in their work.

Honest lobbying is essential for democracy – involving companies and organisations in the creation of new legislation strengthens our policy-making processes. The contributions of many participants provide access to specialised knowledge and data that may otherwise be inaccessible, which, in turn, helps create better laws.

“Honest lobbying is essential for democracy – involving companies and organisations in the creation of new legislation strengthens our policy-making processes.”

Effective lobbying remains a critical component of the democratic process, ensuring well-informed decisions. A culture of openness and transparency surrounding lobbying is, therefore, key. At META, we advocate transparent and proper conduct and expect the same from our clients.

Government relations are an important part of a company’s strategic management but managing them successfully and openly requires knowledge and skills. META’s Political Risk Management Seminar provides managers with practical tools to understand the dynamics of the political environment, assess risks and manage them effectively. The seminar focuses on how to maintain relationships with decision-makers, time messages and create opportunities, not just react to changes.

If you want to protect your company and use regulatory changes to your advantage, contact us today: kairi.uustulnd@metaadvisory.ee