Brussels, February 22, 2013 – Japan Tobacco International (JTI) welcomes the proposal from some Members of the European Parliament for a special inquiry into tobacco lobbying at the European Commission (EC). "Open and transparent lobbying activities to inform elected officials and civil servants over policy decision-making clearly serve the public interest", said Thierry Lebeaux, Head of EU Affairs at JTI.
The Company certainly hopes that such an inquiry would be given all ways and means to carry out a full investigation into lobbying practices and solidly question all lobby groups, whether from commercial or not-for-profit organizations. In 1996 the European Parliament was the first to introduce regulation of lobbyists leading to the adoption of a Code of Conduct. “Despite strengthening it over time with various measures, some elected officials are now under the impression that the process is being abused”, said Mr. Lebeaux. “We would welcome the opportunity to participate and demonstrate our perfect compliance with the European Transparency Initiative and the European Parliament’s Code of Conduct for lobbyists”, he added. [...]