France Launches Registry to Tackle Foreign Political Influence

New rules target non-EU lobbyists. But why?

Information continues to be a hot topic in European politics. France is set to introduce a pioneering public transparency register for foreign influence activities, in a move aimed squarely at curbing external meddling in its politics.

Under a decree announced this week, anyone engaging in lobbying or political advocacy at the behest of a non-EU government will be required to register with the High Authority for Transparency in Public Life (HATVP). The digital directory will go live next year, with full functionality expected by 2026. Non-compliance could lead to hefty fines, or even legal action for persistent offenders.

Heightened European anxiety over disinformation

French officials say the initiative draws on the US Foreign Agents Registration Act, originally enacted to counter Nazi propaganda. The strategy arrives amid heightened European anxiety over disinformation, covert lobbying, and efforts by hostile states to sway debate. Similar legislation elsewhere—such as Hungary’s controversial law, and Russia’s problematic “foreign agent” tag—has prompted fears about misuse.

Meanwhile, Brussels is mulling its own EU-wide transparency directive. The proposal, stuck in negotiations, has lobbyists worried it could overreach. “The focus should be on disclosure, not discouraging legitimate international exchange,” Emma Brown, president of the Society of European Affairs Professionals told Euractiv. EU lawmakers hope to settle the directive by year’s end, after which member states would have two years to comply.

(ML. Source: Euractiv et al. Photo: David Henry / Pexels)