Yesterday, Friday October 12, the Italian Cabinet issued a decree which recognizes the value and regulates lobbying activities related to the Government, its various Autorities and the Public Administration
Although with immediate limited adoption (this does not cover the two branches of Parliament not the Municipa, Provincial or Regional elected councils) the decree is well thought and benefits from some good input by Ferpi, the Italian Assocition. Basically it obliges professional lobbyists from all private and social interest groups (save for trade unions or manufacturers associations when they negotiate) to register, declare their interests and regularly report their activities including information on finances. The (italian) text of the decree is here ddllobbycdm12ott2007.doc.