PARIS -- France’s Parliament is introducing a register of lobbyists as the global trend toward regulation of the profession takes hold in another European country.  

The register – which will only be voluntary – is to launch at the start of the next parliamentary session in October.

Bernard Accoyer, the president of the National Assembly -- France’s equivalent of Westminster’s House of Commons -- unveiled details of the scheme last month.  

Lobbyists wanting to register must fill in a form with details of their clients and send in a photo. They must also agree to abide by a code of conduct. If they contravene the code, they will be removed from the register.  

The “carrot” to sign up is a daily pass granting access to the Palais Bourbon, which is the building that houses the National Assembly.  

The register – which will be publicly available on the Internet – is for individuals, not organizations. For example, if an organization has 10 staff who lobby, all 10 would need to register. There is not yet a requirement to report lobbying expenses.  

France’s Senate, the country’s equivalent of the House of Lords, is believed to be planning to follow the Assembly’s lead later this year.  

Source: www.publicaffairsnews.com