The European Commission (EC) in Brussels has recently announced its intention to implement a US-style reform to force lawyers who lobby to register their clients.

The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) has argued this new requirement is a violation of the confidentiality rules of the European Bar Association. The CCBE believes the reform would also violate national bar requirements of the European Union (EU) member states.

Brussels is considered the hub of European policymaking and home to EC headquarters. Lobbying efforts are directed towards the EC to influence legislation. Lobbyists who wish to meet with EC commissioners, cabinet members, and directors-general must register and disclose clients in the Transparency Register.