In July 2005, Poland has adopted the Act on Lobbying in the Legislative Process (entered into force on 7 March 2006) to regulate each lawful activity intended to influence public authorities in the legislative process.
This Act specifies the rules of lobbying openness in the legislative process, the rules of performing professional lobbying activities, the forms of control over professional lobbying activities as well as the rules of maintaining the register of entities performing professional lobbying activities, where professional lobbying shall mean gainful lobbying carried out on behalf of third parties in order for their interests to be considered in the legislative process.
According to the law, the Register of professional lobbyists shall be established. The Register shall be maintained by the Minister relevant for public administration (Art. 10.2) and it shall include personal identification details (Art. 10.3). The Register shall be open and information therein shall be made available in the Public Information Bulletin, except addresses of individuals. Professional lobbying activities may be performed upon entry into the Register (Art. 12) and it is established that entity that performs activities in the area of professional lobbying without registration shall be liable to a fine from PLN 3,000.00 to 50,000.00 which shall be imposed by the Minister relevant for public administration by way of an administrative decision (art. 19).
