Key stakeholders gathered together in Pristina for a roundtable: "Towards lobbying regulation: findings, regional lessons, and next steps".  The Council of Europe hosted the event to present the findings and recommendations related to a proposed strategic and policy framework on regulating lobbying activities in Kosovo  as a way to enhance transparency in public decision-making.

The reasons why lobbying regulation is essential for integrity in governance were highlighted by Mary-Ann Hennessey, Head of Office of the Council of Europe Office in Pristina. This was reiterated by the representatives of the Assembly and the Agency for Prevention of Corruption. 

Technical evidence and key findings were presented by the Council of Europe highlighting lobbying activities in Kosovo*, outlining recommendations for a draft regulatory framework, potential implementation modalities, and effective monitoring mechanisms based on relevant international standards including the Recommendation CM/Rec(2017)2 of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers on the legal regulation of lobbying activities in the context of public decision making. 

Next steps, local ownership and proposed reforms were discussed during an open floor session with public officials from line ministries, members of the Assembly, business sector representatives, civil society actors, regional participants, EU Office and representatives of international donors. Presentations on comparative experiences and policy developments from the region, including insights from Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia were a highlight of the event. 

The activity was organised within the framework of the Action on Countering Corruption and Economic Crime funded and implemented by the Council of Europe.