EU staff put on guard against Brexit lobbyists

EUROPEAN Union bureaucrats have been given a “do and don’t” checklist to protect them from lobbyists looking to influence the upcoming Brexit negotiations.

Brussels civil servants are told not to accept hospitality “without careful consideration” or share confidential information, and “where necessary” to report any gifts.

Meetings outside office hours are banned and officials warned that “lobbying can also take place during casual encounters and in social settings”.

Lobbying is carried out in Brussels by organisations such as consultancies, law firms, NGOS, trade associations and campaigners, the list reads.

The document was drawn up by the European Ombudsman, which investigates maladministration in EU institutions, such as the European Commission.

The 20-point list is “relevant to the imminent Brexit negotiations when large numbers of interest representatives will understandably seek to engage with EU officials”, the watchdog said.

Brussels attracts large numbers of lobbyists, who look to influence EU legislation on behalf of their clients and employers through meetings with the officials working on draft laws.

Britain and the EU have two years to conclude the Brexit talks.

Uncertainty around the impact of Brexit has created much work for lobbyists in sectors as diverse as agriculture, technology and financial services.

“It is not always obvious to public officials as to what constitutes acceptable lobbying,” said Emily O’reilly, who leads the watchdog.

“This checklist will help ordinary civil servants to navigate these occasionally tricky waters.”