Brussels, 15 April 2014 – The European Public Affairs Consultancies’ Association (EPACA) today welcomed the European Parliament’s adoption in plenary of the report on the modification of the Transparency Register’s inter-institutional agreement.

An overwhelming majority of MEPs reiterated their call to the European Commission to present a proposal for the establishment of a mandatory register by 2016, and recommended the introduction of a number of incentive measures for registrants in the meantime.

EPACA supports the European Parliament’s call for a mandatory register, and the creation of a level-playing-field between all interest representatives active in Brussels. Commenting on the adoption of the report, EPACA’s Chairman Karl Isaksson said:

“It is extremely encouraging that the European Parliament continues to support the establishment of a mandatory register. EPACA looks forward to both the implementation of strengthened incentives for registrants and eventually a mandatory register that will help create a level playing field, and to continued cooperation with the European Parliament in putting transparency at the very centre of EU decision-making.”

EPACA has long supported making the Transparency Register mandatory. Through its own Code of Conduct it promotes and supports the highest professional standards for public affairs consultancies that work with EU institutions and stakeholders.

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For media inquiries please contact:
George Candon, +32 2 289 09 55, george.candon@fticonsulting.com
Karl Isaksson, Chairman, EPACA, +32 2 737 69 04, kisaksson@kreabgavinanderson.com
EPACA Secretariat Tel: +32 2 230 0814, info@epaca.org

EPACA – European Public Affairs Consultancies’ Association – is the representative trade body for public affairs consultancies working with EU institutions. It was launched in January 2005, following a process of consultation among all signatories of a professional Code of Conduct. The Code had been maintained and updated since by our members, and is the basis for all such codes in the EU affairs marketplace.
The association establishes formal self-regulatory arrangements, including a professional practices panel for disciplinary hearings. It currently consists of 42 companies with over 600 staff, and represents a high proportion of the professional EU Public Affairs services providers. EPACA members have elected a Management Committee of 11 members.