Lobbying is not only an essential part of every
modern democracy, but it is also a highly debated
issue. Decision-makers and political scientists alike
consider lobbying as a vital component of effective
and efficient policy-making. However, considerable
sections of the media and the public perceive it as
an intransparent part of the policy-making process in
which representatives of powerful interests strive
for concentrated benefits by offering checks in
smoke-filled rooms. The European Transparency (ETI)
tries to address this misconception by establishing a
voluntary register for interest...