How to define a lobbyist: experience of Poland and Lithuania

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Interesų grupės; Lobistas; Lobistinė veikla; Lobizmas; Lobizmo reglamentavimas; Lobizmo veikimas; Tesiniai terminai; Įtaka sprendimams; Infuence decisions; Interest groups; Legal definition; Lobbying; Lobbying activities; Lobbying activity; Lobbying regulation; Lobbyist.

ENThe article analyses what aspects should be considered when deciding on the subjective scope of application of lobbying regulation in a country. Any country defining a lobbyist should first of all take into account its political and legal context, and theoretical insights about the types and activities of lobbyists that may exist. Furthermore, good practice and lessons from the experience of other countries should be evaluated. The legal definitions of the terms lobbyist and lobbying activities in Lithuania and Poland – the first EU member states to start regulating lobbying activities – are analysed in the article in order to highlight the main shortfalls of the existing legislation. The article provides guidelines on defining a lobbyist for countries planning to adopt legal regulation of lobbying activities, as well as countries wishing to improve existing regulation. [From the publication]

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