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Lobbying in Austria and Belgium

Lobbying in Austria

Austria
Austria has no rules regulating lobbying procedures in either house of parliament.  In fact, there are no provisions related to lobbyists’ activities in Austria. Plus, no regulations exist on interest groups regarding formulation and development of federal legislation. Also, an official register of interest group doesn’t exist.

But, there exists a chamber of representatives comprising lobbyists and members of interest groups who play a role in policy formation in Austria.

Austrian Chambers of Kammern
The Kammern is the chamber of statutory representatives of lobbying and interest groups in Austria. The interests of large economic groups lie in the hands of the policy makers and so the economic groups play a significant role in policy forming. The economic groups generally comprise organizations and trade unions. Whenever the government proposes or makes a bill, it consults the Kammern. In addition, the government consults with other interest groups also. So, the social partners (organizations and trade unions) put forth a lot of influence through personal and political contacts. Previously, more than 50% of MP’s would have close connections with interest groups or were members of groups such as Employers’ Association or Trade Unions. But, this is not longer the case.

Additionally, lobbyists representing interest groups may be called to address a parliamentary committee. They assist in carrying out discussions on a bill in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the National Council and those of the Federal Council.

Belgium
Although Brussels; situated in Belgium, is a hub of lobbyists, there are no rules or procedures regulating lobbyist activities in Belgium which is similar to Austria. But, in the past, a lot of lively debates have taken place on the subject of lobbying but no formal proposals for such legislations have been put forth yet. However, lobbyists support the introduction of a voluntary code of conduct and a register which is supervised by an independent arbitrator. 

The Representative Association of Public Relations
The Representative Association of Public Relations consists of members (lobbyists) who lobby and play a significant in policy formation. They have already put in place a voluntary code of conduct and a register supervised by an independent arbitrator. Former public relations personnel who have shifted to the lobbying profession also wish to introduce such a code for themselves so that more respectability and transparency can be brought to their profession.

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