Meetings with interest groups and lobbyists

Lobbying is part of representing interests in the democratic decision-making process. Despite the fact that lobbying often has a negative background, not all lobbying is undesirable. Balanced lobbying is in the interest of the state so that narrow private interests do not dominate policymaking and lawmaking. Balanced lobbying and transparency give all interested parties an equal opportunity to present their views.

Based on the good practice of communication with lobbyists, the meetings of the Ministers and the Ministry’s top officials with lobbyists are made public every quarter. On this page: https://mkm.prelive.vportal.ee/lobistid you can find an overview of the meetings of officials of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.

Good practice in dealing with lobbyists:

  • Clarifies the concepts of lobbying and lobbyist.
  • Establishes the obligation for officials to disclose meetings with lobbyists at least once a quarter on the institution's website.
  • Imposes an obligation on the official to refrain from lobbying for his or her past official institution and from working for the lobbyist or the interest group represented by him or her for at least one year after leaving office, for which he or she made decisions during the last year in office.
  • If an official has worked as a lobbyist or in the interest of an interest group immediately before taking office, he must refrain from actions and decisions in relation to this lobbyist or interest group during the year.
  • The good practice applies to the members of the management personnel of the Ministry, the Secretary of State, and the heads of other government agencies and their deputies.

Last updated: 30.08.2023

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