Albania’s draft law “On Lobbying” is viewed as a positive move toward enhancing transparency and integrity in public decision-making. However, experts warn that several provisions risk placing Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the same regulatory regime as commercial lobbyists. The main concern is the broad definition of lobbying, which could classify ordinary public-interest activities—like consultations, policy recommendations, and awareness campaigns—as lobbying. This would create undue administrative burdens that could discourage CSO participation in public life. Experts point to international standards from the Council of Europe and the OECD, which emphasize that lobbying rules must protect democratic engagement and distinguish between public-interest advocacy and paid private-gain lobbying. Read more here.
Source: National Resource Centre for Civil Society in Albania
