Commitments of the Spanish Government
The Spanish Government has expressed its intention to resume the process of approving a law aimed at regulating interest groups, known as lobbies, in the first quarter of 2024. However, so far, this initiative is blocked, and the wait for this regulatory framework continues.
Requirements of the European Commission
The European Commission has urged the Spanish executive to speed up the approval of the relevant regulations, which also include measures on civil servants’ labor transitions to the private sector, a phenomenon known as ‘revolving doors’. These regulations are part of Spain’s Recovery Plan and their implementation is crucial to ensure transparency in the relations between the public and private sectors.
Advancement of the legislative process
Recently, Brussels has included this issue in its recommendations for Spain in the report on the rule of law. However, it should be noted that the document also addresses other aspects such as the progress in matters of the General Council of the Judicial Power (CGPJ) and the opinion of the Venice Commission on the amnesty law.
Registration of lobbies and obligations
The European Commission has underlined the imperative need to create a register for lobbies, as this would allow establishing clear limitations on the job opportunities that politicians would have once they leave public service. According to an agreement of the Council of Ministers of December 8, 2022, ex-politicians will not be able to associate with those lobbies that are registered in this register.
Meetings and transparency
In addition, any meeting with members of the public administration would require the lobbyists to be registered. The proposed law also includes the obligation to meticulously document meetings, with detailed information about the people involved and the subject matter discussed.
Sanctioning measures
Significant penalties are established for those lobbies that breach these regulations. Fines could include expulsion from the registry for a period of up to three years, thus limiting their ability to influence legislative development.
final goal
With this regulation, the Government seeks to increase transparency in legislative processes and reduce the negative influence of lobbies in the creation of legislation. In addition, the aim is to prevent senior administrative officials from moving to work for private interests after being involved in their legislation.
Currently, the Spanish Government has reiterated its intention to restart the process of approving this rule. However, its situation remains blocked.