On 12 December 2023, the European Commission published its long-awaited Defence of Democracy package, including a directive to introduce “common transparency and accountability standards” for “interest representation activities”. This directive has caused alarm among civil society actors, academics and others for the potentially negative impacts it could have on civil society.
The directive creates a register of entities that carry out interest representation services or activities on behalf of theird countries to influence the “development, formulation or implementation of policy or legislation or public decision-making in the internal market.” Upon registration, entities will receive a European Interest Representation number (EIRN), which is required whenever they enter into contact with public officials.
In our new detailed analysis and quick-read factsheet, we tell you everything you need to know!