Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) announces public consultation on the draft concept on legal regulation for lobbying in Latvia. Persons and organisations representing interests of various social, professional and economical groups in relations with state and municipal institutions are invited to participate in the discussion.

KNAB invites to express comments and suggestions on the draft from 15 May - 15 June. Persons and organisations are invited to indicate which of the proposed versions of regulation they find the most suitable. After this written consultation, it is planned to organise a public discussion.

The purpose of the concept is to study experience of other countries and to evaluate the necessity of legal regulation for lobbying in Latvia in order to ensure transparency in cases when public decisions are made in the interest of certain persons or their groups.

The need to develop the concept and improve legal regulation of lobbying was acknowledged by the Cabinet of Ministers by including this activity in the Corruption Prevention and Combating Programme 2004-2008 approved on 4 August, 2004. Representatives of the Saeima, State Chancellery, KNAB, Ministry of Justice and the Centre for Public Policy "Providus" took part in developing the draft.

The draft has been announced at the meeting of State Secretaries on 29 March, 2007.

After the public discussion and coordination the document shall be submitted to the State Chancellery for further proceedings.

To see the draft click here (only in Latvian).