TIRANA, Oct 25 /ATA/ – Albanian government has proposed its first-ever law to regulate lobbying, introducing mandatory registration and disclosure rules aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in public decision-making.
The draft law on lobbying seeks to define clear boundaries between public officials and private actors — including businesses, civil society groups, and expert organizations – ensuring that policy processes are both traceable and open to public scrutiny.
The initiative forms part of Albania’s commitments under EU accession negotiations, specifically within the Fundamentals’ cluster of the EU’s Common Negotiating Position.
Under the proposal, all individuals and legal entities involved in lobbying would be required to register, report their financial sources and expenditures every six months, and declare potential conflicts of interest. The law also mandates public officials to report any meetings or communications with lobbyists.
Officials said the bill aims to make lobbying “a lawful, transparent process serving the public interest” and a key tool in preventing corruption. A public lobbying register would document all lobbying contracts, contacts, and spending, allowing verification of influence sources and represented interests.
The draft also includes post-employment restrictions for former senior officials and aligns Albania with international standards set by GRECO and the OECD on open government, transparency, and public integrity.
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