Dutch Government Debates Lobbying Regulations and Ministerial Integrity

Acting Minister Judith Uitermark of the Interior faces pressure to tighten lobbying regulations and ensure ministerial integrity, but expresses reservations about strict measures. A decade-long debate continues in the Dutch House of Representatives, with concerns raised about former ministers’ post-retirement influence and potential conflicts of interest.

While various proposals are on the table, including extending lobbying bans and establishing a lobbying register, Uitermark emphasizes the need to balance integrity with attracting individuals from the business sector to ministerial positions.

Several members of Parliament have expressed dissatisfaction with the current regulations. SP Member of Parliament Michiel van Nispen is advocating for restrictions on former ministers’ business contacts with their successors. Joost Sneller (D66) questions the extent to which former ministers can participate in company strategy sessions that involve influencing regulations. Marco Deen (PVV) calls for extending the lobbying ban from two to four years, while Laurens Dassen (Volt) and others support the creation of a lobbying register.

Uitermark acknowledged the complexities of the issue, highlighting the need to prevent conflicts of interest while ensuring the attractiveness of ministerial roles. She voiced concerns that measures such as a four-year lobbying ban could be disproportionate.

A recent incident involving the brother of State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman (BBB), who is joining a drone company that works with the Defence ministry, underscored the challenges in overseeing potential conflicts of interest.

External pressure is mounting to strengthen the regulations, with comparisons made to other countries with stricter rules, such as Ireland, Canada, and France. GRECO, the Council of Europe’s integrity watchdog, has issued a follow-up report on the Netherlands, which has yet to be shared with the House of Representatives. Jesse Six Dijksma (NSC) inquired about the report’s release, but the minister did not provide a specific date.