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The latest from CBI Brussels
Commission finalises lobbyist code of conduct
As part of the European Transparency Initiative, the European Commission, last week finalised its code of conduct for interest representatives, which will now be attached to the Commission’s voluntary register for interest representatives when it is launched later this month. By registering, lobbyists are expected to respect the principles and rules of the code. The Commission’s register and code of conduct remain separate from the European Parliament’s register for lobbyists wishing to influence the Parliament. A member briefing on the Commission’s European Transparency Initiative and the Parliament’s own-initiative report is available from Hayley Conboy for more information.
Commissioner outlines environment priorities
European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas recently set out his environmental policy priorities for 2009 in a speech to the European Parliament, outlining a range of issues of interest to the CBI. As expected, climate change and energy dominated much of the speech, with Dimas calling for the current package to be passed before the European Parliament elections in June 2009 and for proposals not to be watered down. Biodiversity loss also featured highly in the Commissioner’s priorities, and he also discussed the much anticipated and delayed Sustainability Package, stating that minimum requirements will be established and reviewed for the most environmentally damaging products. He called for the EU to continue to be a world leader in environmental policy. can be found here.
Private equity and hedge funds in spotlight
The CBI is closely monitoring the progress of two own-initiative reports relating to private equity currently proceeding through the European Parliament. One report has been produced by Danish Socialist MEP Poul Nyrup Rasmussen and considers both private equity and hedge funds, examining issues such as transparency, financial stability, and excessive debt. The other report looks at the transparency of institutional investors and has been led by the German Conservative MEP Klaus-Heiner Lehne. The CBI has been following discussions closely, and is working with members and the BVCA to counter the claims made against the industry, and to promote a positive image of the private equity industry among EU policymakers. A member briefing on the reports and their potential implications is available from Emma Watkins or Helen Cowan for a copy or for more information.
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