The EU Council's Working Party on General Affairs will hold its 2213th meeting on 23 July 2026, with a provisional agenda that includes an exchange of views on a proposal for a directive on transparency of interest representation on behalf of third countries, as well as an examination of draft Council conclusions on inclusive democratic participation and community resilience. The meeting, scheduled for 10:00 in the Justus Lipsius Building in Brussels, will adopt its agenda and discuss any other business.
The proposal for a directive on transparency of interest representation (document WK 10630/26, to be issued) aims to regulate lobbying activities carried out on behalf of non-EU countries. This initiative, which has not been previously covered by EU Matrix, would require entities representing third-country interests to register and disclose their activities, potentially increasing oversight of foreign influence in EU policymaking. The Working Party's exchange of views marks the first step in the legislative process, with the European Parliament expected to weigh in later.
Separately, the Working Party will examine draft Council conclusions on inclusive democratic participation and community resilience (document 11494/26). These conclusions are likely to outline measures to strengthen democratic engagement and societal resilience against disinformation and external interference, building on broader EU efforts to safeguard democratic processes.
The meeting follows a series of EU initiatives to enhance transparency and protect democratic integrity. On 12 May 2026, the European Commission proposed a package on democratic resilience, which included a recommendation on election integrity. On 3 June 2026, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for stricter rules on foreign lobbying. The Working Party's discussions on 23 July will feed into the Council's formal adoption of the directive and conclusions later in the year.
Stakeholders likely to be affected include non-EU governments and their representatives, who would face new registration and disclosure requirements; EU-based lobbying firms and NGOs that work with third-country clients, potentially increasing administrative burdens; EU citizens, who would benefit from greater transparency about foreign influence; and EU institutions, which would gain enhanced oversight capabilities but may face implementation challenges.
The Working Party's meeting is a preparatory step; the directive proposal will require approval from the European Parliament and the Council before becoming law. The draft conclusions, once adopted by the Council, will guide EU member states in strengthening democratic participation and resilience.