Lobby Control
About LobbyControl
editLobbyControl is a non-profit organization that has been advocating for transparency, democratic control, and clear boundaries on the influence of politics and the public in Germany and the EU since its founding in 2005. With a dedicated team of 31 employees in Cologne and Berlin, as well as a voluntary board consisting of five committed individuals, LobbyControl works to expose the power structures and influence strategies of lobbyists.
Key Products and Services
editLobbyControl offers a variety of services, including comprehensive research, scientific analyses, and campaign work. The organization informs the public about lobbying networks, problematic political financing, and influences on political decision-making. A special highlight is the critical lobbying city tours through the Berlin government district, which provide insights into the work of lobbyists. Additionally, LobbyControl regularly publishes reports and publications, such as the EU Lobby Report, which analyzes the power relations and lobbying activities in the EU.
Mission and Values
editThe main mission of LobbyControl is to promote a just democracy that is determined not by the most influential lobbyists but by an active civil society. The organization advocates for transparency, democratic participation, and clear rules for lobbying. LobbyControl is committed to ensuring that politics is made for everyone and not just for the interests of the powerful.
Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
editLobbyControl is actively engaged in sustainability, particularly in the area of climate. The organization highlights the interconnections between lobbying and climate policy and calls for climate protection measures that are not undermined by lobbying power. By promoting a mandatory lobbying register that came into effect in 2022, LobbyControl has made an important contribution to transparency in legislation. The organization continues to advocate for the improvement of this register to make covert influences more difficult and to make power imbalances visible.
Funding and Independence
editThe funding of LobbyControl primarily comes from donations from individuals and membership fees. The organization does not accept donations from companies or public grants to maintain its independence. This financial transparency is a central value of LobbyControl, and the work of the organization is recognized as non-profit.
LobbyControl remains an indispensable actor in the fight for a transparent and just democracy by informing the public, exposing grievances, and developing concrete solutions for fair political influence.