The Common Code of Conduct is a document developed by the Government of Catalonia (Generalitat de Catalunya) and applies to all interest groups operating within the public sector.

Individuals and entities wishing to act as interest groups and engage in influence activities before the public sector in Catalonia must, as a condition for registration in the Register of Interest Groups of Catalonia, expressly accept the Common Code of Conduct for Interest Groups, thereby ensuring their adherence to a set of ethical standards.

Minimum Content of the Code of Conduct (Article 51 of Law 19/2014)

The Code of Conduct must include, at a minimum:

a) The name and details of the declarant subscribing to the Code.

b) The entity or organization represented by, or employing, the declarant, together with the interests, objectives, or purposes pursued on behalf of its clients.

c) A commitment not to obtain, or attempt to obtain, information or influence decision-making in a dishonest manner.

d) A commitment to provide accurate, up-to-date, and non-misleading information at the time of registration and to keep such information updated thereafter.

e) A commitment not to encourage, by any means, public authorities, elected officials, members of parliament, or civil servants to breach the law or the rules of conduct established by the Code.

f) A commitment to accept and comply with any measures adopted in the event of a breach of the obligations established by the law or by the Code of Conduct.

Additional Provisions Introduced by Decree 171/2015 (Article 18)

1. The Common Code of Conduct constitutes a minimum ethical standard. Without prejudice to these common standards, declarants may commit to higher standards of conduct.

2. Interest groups and their representatives must comply with current legislation and observe the following rules of conduct:

a) Respect the institutions and individuals with whom they interact while carrying out their activities.

b) Act transparently.

c) Inform the authorities, elected officials, and public employees with whom they interact that they are acting as an interest group and are registered in the Register of Interest Groups of the Administration of the Generalitat of Catalonia and its public sector, and, where applicable, in other registers of interest groups.

d) Provide information regarding the identity of the individual or organization they represent and the objectives and interests represented.

e) Ensure that the information registered is accurate, complete, precise, and up to date.

f) Refrain from disclosing confidential information obtained through their activities.

g) Act with integrity and honesty in carrying out their activities and in their dealings with authorities, elected representatives, and public employees, and refrain from any conduct that could be considered corrupt, dishonest, or unlawful.

h) Avoid placing authorities, elected representatives, or públic employees in situations that may give rise to conflicts of interest.

i) Refrain from influencing or attempting to influence decision-making dishonestly, or from obtaining or attempting to obtain information through improper means.

j) Not encourage authorities, elected representatives, or public employees to breach applicable laws or codes of conduct and, accordingly not offer gifts of value, favours, or services that could compromise the impartial performance of public duties.

k) Inform the individuals or organizations they represent about the existence of the Code of Conduct, its principles, and obligations, and avoid representing conflicting or opposing interests without the informed consent of the parties concerned.

l) Refrain from making improper use of their registration for promotional purposes or suggesting that registration grants any special status or privilege before public authorities.

m) Ensure that personnel working on their behalf comply with regulations concerning post-employment restrictions for senior officials and other incompatibility rules applicable to senior officials, elected representatives, civil servants, and public employees.

n) Accept that the information provided may be made public.

o) Accept and comply with the measures adopted in the event of non-compliance with legal obligations or with the provisions of this Code, in accordance with Law 19/2014 of 29 December.

The information can be downloaded below in a reusable format to facilitate acces, analysis, and reuse in other digital environments.