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Preamble

The motivation for bringing about this book originated from the general question whether lobbying proves to be as opaque, influential, and malicious as the image of the profession seems to be publicly maintained, and which measures of control can be imposed. Considering that the mandatory registration system installed in the United States is obviously perceived as a role model for the disclosure of lobbying, it has been a key incentive for the author to examine it in detail, which further allows identifying possible weaknesses of this model register as well. Moreover, by recommending measures of improvement, the author actively participates in the discussion about the revision of the European Union’s Transparency Register. Special thanks are dedicated to all interviewees, who have contributed to this book through personal, e-mail, or phone interviews or simply by providing additional information. Particularly with regard to personal expertise with registration mechanisms, the scope of research of this book and its constructive analysis would not have been possible without the inputs from key respondents. The reason for some interviewees to be quoted in anonymity is not only based on the fact that lobbyism is still a sensitive issue, but also that, in some cases, views are personal and cannot be authorized as an official view of the entity represented by the individual. Therefore, especially the statements made by the interviewed Council Official cannot be regarded as an official opinion.[1]