1. Austria: Article 4 of the Law introduces a set of definition aimed at clarifying the concept of lobbying activity by establishing the boundaries of the application of the legislation. The legislation affects lobbying consultancies, corporate groups, professional groups and public groups. All interest representatives hired by these sectors are subject to the established rules when trying to influence public holders.

The Commission has been thinking about a new definition of what lobbying is, and what activities would therefore require registration in the register and which would not.

The current definition pertains to all activities ... carried out with the objective of directly or indirectly influencing the formulation or implementation of policy and the decision-making processes of the EU institutions…

US$

Austria

• Exports: 22,2 Billion
• Imports: 9.5 Billion
• Balance: 12.7 Billion (Positive)

Belgium

• Exports: 32,097 Billion
• Imports: 17,013 Billion
• Balance: 15,084 Billion (Positive)

Bulgaria

• Exports: 269 Million
• Imports: 604 Million
• Balance: (335) Million

Croatia

300 days have elapsed since Trump inauguration and the post of US AMBASSADOR TO THE EUROPEAN UNION REMAINS VACANT and NO ONE HAS YET BEEN NOMINATED.

Also, the following posts are VACANT without anyone Nominated

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Finland
4. Hungary
5. Ireland
6. Sweden

Yet, considering the above countries

US Exports (2016) and US FDI

Slovenia is eager to maintain energy-focused economic ties with Russia. Moreover, the country supports lifting the sanctions imposed after the annexation of Crimea. Slovenian politicians stress “mutual respect for different opinions” in relations with Russia.

EU Member States in favor of lifting Russian sanctions

CT 10.0%

1. Bulgaria

CT 12.5%

1. Ireland
2. Cyprus

CT 15.0%

1. Latvia
2. Lithuania

CT 16.0%

1. Romania 

CT 18.0%

1. Croatia

CT 19.0%

1. Czech Republic
2. Hungary
3. Poland
4. Slovenia

CT 20.0%

1. United Kingdom
2. Finland

CT 21.0%

Source: EY European Investment Monitor (EIM), 2017

Latvia shares a 214 km border with Russia and is host to one of the largest ethnic Russian communities in the European Union and NATO. Nearly 25 percent of all Latvians boast Russian lineage and 37 percent of Latvian citizens are native Russian speakers. The Russian community maintains close relations with family members in Russia, with Russia granting visa-free travel. Ethnic Russians in Latvia rely almost exclusively on Russian langue media outlets for their news and entertainment.

Russian Economic Footprint

Both Russia and Serbia share historic and cultural ties. There is fairly pro-Russian attitude within the government and among the population.

Russian Economic Footprint