Welcome to the European Parliamentary Research Service podcasts.

Lobbying is as old as politics itself, and Brussels as the de facto capital of the EU

is a hotspot for lobbyists. But while this can be mutually beneficial for both industry and

policymakers, there are risks, especially when public sector officials move to the private sector.

So, how do EU institutions deal with the revolving doors phenomenon?

Stay with us.

Interactions between the private and public sectors are a legitimate part of our democracies,

and one that's certainly on the rise. They ensure

that laws are not produced in disconnection from reality, but take into account the needs and

often the wishes of the sector concerned. But it's a delicate balance, as this usually mutually

beneficial practice can quickly turn into biased legislation or even corruption, threatening the integrity

and independence of policymaking. Now deeply entwined with, some would call it, the art of lobbying,

is the notion of revolving doors in the EU. This concept refers to the potential conflicts of interest

that can arise when individuals,

be they staff, managers or political leaders, take up a new job after having worked for an EU

institution.

When they move, they carry with them inside a know-how, a valuable network of contacts

and a reputation that can open many doors.

And while this can allow for better informed policymaking,

there is a real threat of creating an unfair playing field.

So, how does the EU regulate it?

Well, while there is a clear need for regulation,

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