Understanding Public Affairs and Transparency in the EU
What is Public Affairs
Public affairs connects policymakers with the stakeholders affected by their decisions.
It helps decision-makers understand how policies work in practice and enables organisations to contribute expertise, evidence and perspectives to the policy debate.
When carried out responsibly, public affairs is a legitimate form of political participation that contributes to better policy outcomes. It supports informed debate and helps ensure that public policy reflects societal needs and preferences.
Public affairs is a strategic discipline.
Public affairs is a legitimate form of political participation that contributes to better policy outcomes. It supports informed debate and helps ensure that public policy reflects societal needs and preferences.
Transparency
Transparency is essential to public affairs.
It ensures that policymakers can clearly see who is engaging in the policy process, on whose behalf, and with what interests. This clarity supports accountability, trust and informed engagement.
Transparency measures should not be reduced to a box-ticking exercise that increases administrative burden without delivering real societal value or strengthening trust.
When applied in a meaningful and proportionate way, transparency is not a constraint on public affairs, but rather a condition for it to function properly.
For EPACA members, transparency is not merely a matter of compliance.
When applied in a meaningful and proportionate way, transparency is not a constraint on public affairs, but rather a condition for it to function properly.
To support its members, EPACA has developed a Rulebook that provides a comprehensive overview of the key rules and policies applicable to public affairs consultancies when engaging with EU institutions.
The rulebook is regularly updated to reflect the rules and policies currently in force.
Code of Conduct
The EPACA Code of Conduct sets out the ethical and professional standards for public affairs consultancies operating in EU affairs.
It provides a practical framework for responsible conduct, transparency and integrity in interactions with policymakers and clients.
The Code is binding on all EPACA members and underpins the credibility of the public affairs profession as a whole. Adopted in 2005, the Code is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains relevant in light of political developments and technological change affecting the public affairs sector.
EPACA enforces its Code of Conduct through a clear and structured process. Where a potential breach is identified, the EPACA Board may decide to initiate an investigation and appoint an independent law firm to assess compliance with the Code. Based on the findings, the Board decides on appropriate measures, which may include guidance, formal sanctions or termination of membership, depending on the severity of the breach.
Discover the Code of Conduct e-tool
This interactive tool provides practical information and describes scenarios that will help you better understand the Code and how to adhere to it in real life situations.
EPACA Code of Conduct
EPACA’s Code of Conduct defines the ethical and professional standards expected from all member companies. It is structured around three core categories, each representing a pillar of responsible public affairs practice.
Integrity and Professionalism
- Act honestly and with respect for democratic institutions.
- Base all activities on accurate and verifiable information.
- Avoid misleading or exaggerated claims in all communications.
- Ensure all employees are properly trained in ethical standards.
- Maintain a high level of professional competence at all times.
Transparency and Accountability
- Clearly identify yourself and your clients in all dealings with EU officials.
- Declare interests and objectives openly when engaging with stakeholders.
- Record and disclose lobbying activities in line with the EU Transparency Register.
- Cooperate fully with any ethical review or investigation.
- Accept personal and organisational responsibility for your actions.
Respect and Fair Conduct
- Treat all stakeholders — including institutions, media, and NGOs — with fairness and courtesy.
- Avoid conflicts of interest and act independently of improper influence.
- Refrain from offering or accepting any form of undue advantage.
- Respect confidentiality agreements and sensitive information.
- Promote equality, diversity, and mutual respect in all professional relationships.