Transparency beyond a lobby register: a recap of the event by Public Matters and Transparency International NL

Together with Transparency International Netherlands, Public Matters organized a successful partner event at Nieuwspoort. Representatives from academia, politics, journalism, advocacy, and business came together under the guidance of BNR presenter Thomas van Zijl to discuss the role of transparency in the political decision-making process. The central question of the afternoon: how do we achieve truly meaningful transparency? Everyone acknowledged its importance, but opinions differed on the right approach. Is a lobby register the answer, or are there more effective ways to gain insight into how decisions are made?

A register is not a panacea: critical notes on transparency tools

After the opening remarks by Pieter Walraven (Managing Partner, Public Matters) and Lousewies van der Laan (Director, Transparency International Netherlands), who emphasized the urgency of the topic, Caelesta Braun (Professor of Public Governance and Civil Society, Leiden University) explained in her keynote why transparency remains a lasting priority. Together with her colleague Bert Fraussen, she recently authored the report “Mosaic of Interests” commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. This report focuses on three themes: insight into external access to public decision-making, insight into the policy input of external actors, and insight into the government’s considerations of interests.

After the opening remarks by Pieter WaBraun advocated for not only focusing on one instrument, such as a lobby register, which in itself is not a bad idea, but for approaching the issue more comprehensively and with clear objectives. While a register provides insight into who has access to policymakers and thus says something about the (in)equality of the playing field, it offers a limited and one-sided view. Braun then posed a sharp question to the audience: does the lobby register remain on the political agenda primarily because it distracts from a more fundamental conversation about full transparency?

Restoring trust in politics through more transparency?

In the panel discussion, council member Ruud van der Velden (council member in Rotterdam for the Party for the Animals and initiator of the Rotterdam lobby register), Quirine de Weerd (Head of CSR and Corporate Communications at Lidl Netherlands), and Ariejan Korteweg (political editor at De Volkskrant) delved deeper into these questions, supported by practical examples. What truly contributes to trust in politics? Is more transparency the cure, or do we need to focus more on better supporting elected representatives in their informational position?

The audience also voiced their opinions. Several attendees emphasized that it is time for a different perspective on lobbying: it is a legitimate and valuable function within our democratic society and deserves a more positive image. A register could be a good first step, it was suggested. At the same time, the warning was raised that such a tool is not a cure-all. Furthermore, it is important that the focus is not only on transparency regarding Dutch lobbying activities but also on combating foreign influence and the spread of misinformation.

Public Matters thanks Transparency International Netherlands for the pleasant collaboration and the open atmosphere in which this important dialogue took place. As far as we’re concerned: to be continued.