Transparency group criticizes Dutch government's refusal to establish lobby register

Transparency International Nederland expressed deep disappointment on Sunday after the Dutch government decided against establishing a lobby register, following a letter from Minister of the Interior Judith Uitermark to the Tweede Kamer on Friday.

The minister stated in her letter that she did not find it "proportional" to develop such a transparency register and instead placed more trust in "existing instruments." This decision was met with criticism from Transparency International Nederland, which argued that the government is prioritizing the status quo over greater transparency. "This is a cold shower; we truly did not expect it to be this little," the organization said in a statement.

According to Transparency International, a lobby register is essential to understand who is exerting influence on policy, particularly businesses and interest groups. The organization emphasized that the lack of a register makes it difficult to track these influences on government decisions.

Open State Foundation, another organization that has repeatedly called for lobbying transparency, also expressed shock at the decision. "A slap in the face for transparency, and for the Tweede Kamer, which had already voted in favor of the lobby register," the foundation stated.