In light of recent reporting on informal forums in the European Parliament, SEAP issued the following statement from its President, Emma Brown:
“SEAP recognises that informal forums in the European Parliament can serve as valuable spaces for dialogue between Members of the European Parliament and a wide range of stakeholders. Constructive exchange is a vital part of democratic policymaking.
However, concerns arise when these forums operate without clear rules or oversight, potentially undermining broader efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in EU lobbying.
SEAP therefore calls for stronger and more consistent transparency guidelines for the functioning of such forums. This includes requiring MEPs to disclose their participation in them on their official parliamentary profiles and personal websites and ensuring that the forums themselves publish up-to-date information about their membership, funding sources, secretariat and activities.”