International Anti-Corruption Commitments

Title of the document

OECD Principles for Transparency and Integrity in Lobbying

(https://www.oecd.org/gov/ethic...)

Issuing body

OECD

Brief description

The Principles provide decision makers with directions and guidance to foster transparency and integrity in lobbying. The 10 Principles focus on 4 main areas:

(i) Building an effective and fair framework for openness and access

(ii) Enhancing transparency

(iii) Fostering a culture of integrity

(iv) Mechanisms for effective implementation, compliance and review

Relevant excerpts

1. Countries should provide a level playing field by granting all stakeholders fair and equitable access to the development and implementation of public policies.

2. Rules and guidelines on lobbying should address the governance concerns related to lobbying practices, and respect the socio-political and administrative contexts.

3. Rules and guidelines on lobbying should be consistent with the wider policy and regulatory frameworks.

5. Countries should provide an adequate degree of transparency to ensure that public officials, citizens and businesses can obtain sufficient information on lobbying activities.

6. Countries should enable stakeholders – including civil society organisations, businesses, the media and the general public – to scrutinise lobbying activities.

7. Countries should foster a culture of integrity in public organisations and decision making by providing clear rules and guidelines of conduct for public officials

8. Lobbyists should comply with standards of professionalism and transparency; they share responsibility for fostering a culture of transparency and integrity in lobbying.

9. Countries should involve key actors in implementing a coherent spectrum of strategies and practices to achieve compliance.

10. Countries should review the functioning of their rules and guidelines related to lobbying on a periodic basis and make necessary adjustments in light of experience.