Some details for the transparency register of the MPs still have to be clarified
The vulnerabilities of the transparency register are to be improved. This was the goal of the MPs of the Regulatory Commission on Wednesday. The parliamentarians want to be more transparent to society if they meet organizations and lobbying.
In the proposed text, however, there are still ambiguities that are to be clarified after the Pentecost holidays, said Sam Tanson (Déi Gréng), the President of the Commission, the « word ». In May 2024, the Green MP had called for a resolution to check the transparency register.
A transparency register that is not really transparent
In the next meeting, the term “entrevues” is to be defined more precisely so that the MPs have clarity about the cases in which a meeting with a lobbyist in the corresponding register must be recorded. « Specifically, it is about gatherings that attempts are made to influence a legal text.
In parliament at the end of June, this law could still be coordinated.
Discussions with professional chambers, EU members and state institutions are excluded from the obligation to report. Even party -internal discussions do not fall under the obligation to register because they are part of everyday political life, according to the rapporteur.
« We are those who decide and change the law. In our view, it is important that you can understand how possible changes or decisions have come about, » emphasizes the Commission President.
When asked whether the text also provides for sanctions for those who do not respect the rules of the transparency register, Tanson says: « It is really a question of deontology, and we all know: If we fix this here, then we have to stick to it. »
A claim by the EU Commission
In parliament at the end of June, this law could still be coordinated. Marc Spautz, President of the CSV parliamentary group, recalls that the government is already one similar transparency register is obliged. Now the legal department should find the exact wording between « Entrevues » and « Rencontres », says Spautz. « For me it is the same, nothing will be insurmountable. The right terms are still inserted so that we have no more ambiguity than clarity, » emphasizes the CSV politician.
« In any case, in the time when I am in the Chamber of deputy, I did not find that a particularly large number of people wanted to talk to me about something that goes beyond my responsibility, » explains Spautz. Photo: Gerry Huberty/LW Archive
In its report on the rule of law for Luxembourg, the EU Commission noted last year that the register did not cover important information and asked the Grand Duchy to reform the lobby register. « We are now coming to Strasbourg, so that you will give us a better evaluation next time. After all, that is the point of the matter, » notes Spautz. A transparency rule for EU MPs has been in effect since 2011.
In contrast to the Greens, the CSV has not published the meetings with organizations on its website. « So far we have only told Parliament because it was not a duty to communicate it publicly. As soon as the new regulations are available, we will change that, » said the former trade unionist.
