Mr. János Bertók:

The Chairman raises a very important point because lobbying is not only a reality but also a global issue. Lobbying takes place at a global, supranational and national level. How does one provide a consistent framework to promote transparency and accountability and create a level playing field? Using existing regulation as a benchmark is very important. We also need to examine what other countries have in place at national level. Some are promoting a much stronger or higher level of transparency, and wider issues are covered by registration. If we examine the experience of other countries, one finds that in responding, one needs to identify the concerns and how one's legislation could provide a proportionate response to these. Second, because lobbying is a global or European issue, one needs also to position oneself and see how one's legislation and system fits into the much wider European or global system.