MEP quits EU as lobbying row continues

MEP Alexander Stubb has been appointed Finland’s new foreign minister following the resignation of Ilkka Kanerva.

Kanerva was ousted after Finnish media published text messages he had allegedly sent to an erotic dancer.

According to Stubb's office, he will take up his new position on Friday after the appointment is officially confirmed by the Finnish president.

The centre-right MEP was notably absent from a parliamentary vote on his report on lobbying transparency on Tuesday morning, which was heavily criticised by Green MEPs for being too soft on lobbyists.

One of the most controversial amendments centred on whether to include think-tanks and the giving of “legal advice” as a lobbying activity. In the end, Stubb didn’t include it in the amendment, which infuriated Green co-president Monica Frassoni and vice chair Claude Turmes.

"By accepting exemptions to think-tanks and lawyers, two key lobbying channels, Alexander Stubb is leaving a back door open," said Turmes on Monday.

"Anyone can create a think-tank for any purpose, but unethical practices are not currently outlawed."

Other sticking points for the Greens were the issues of whether to make registration as a lobbyist mandatory, and if lobbysits would have to disclose financial information.

Stubb's report does recommend a 'one stop shop' where lobbyists can register with the commission and parliament, but there is no requirement for "mandatory" registration or a clause requiring full financial disclosure on such a register.

Frassoni said on Monday, "The biggest obstacle to greater transparency is regrettably a lack of will.

"Alexander Stubb's report, with its weak and confused proposals on registration and financial disclosure, appears more interested in stalling and muddying the waters than improving the transparency around decision-making."

But ALDE deputy Diana Wallis was more positive. "I have my doubts as to the effectiveness of a voluntary registration system but it is a first step and, in any case, there will be a review of the register after a year.

"Financial disclosure is important but it is only part of the overall picture. As important are identifying who the lobbyists are and their roles in any given policy process."

The report was eventually adopted by the constitutional affairs committee by 18 votes to one, with one abstention (Frassoni).

It will be voted on by the whole parliament during plenary in April or May.

Carlos Carnero, who led the negotiations on behalf of parliament's Socialist group, welcomed the outcome of the vote: “For years we have been arguing for more transparency.

"That's why we are in favour of measures which are aimed at increasing the responsibility of lobbyists, particularly in their relations with MEPs and the European parliament in general.”

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