VTEK: Veterinary Pharmacy Association engaged in illegal lobbying

Lithuania's Competition Council (VTEK) has determined that the Veterinary Pharmacy Association (VPA) conducted illegal lobbying activities. The investigation revealed that in late April, the association submitted a written statement to the State Food and Veterinary Service (VMVT) concerning veterinary drugs removed from a registry. The VPA also proposed changes to legal regulations.

According to VTEK, the association, which represents both individuals and legal entities with business objectives, put forward specific proposals for amending legal regulations. These proposals included establishing transitional periods for veterinary drugs, defining criteria for their application, and altering the procedure for informing market participants. VTEK assessed these actions as exhibiting characteristics of lobbying.

Consequently, VTEK concluded that the VPA violated the provisions of the Law on Lobbying Activities. The council has recommended that the association apply for registration on the official lobbyists' list and has drawn up an administrative offense protocol. The investigation was initiated based on a received report.

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The Association, which unites not only individuals but also legal entities pursuing business goals, without being registered on the lobbyists' list, submitted specific proposals to the VMVT regarding changes in legal regulation – it proposed to establish transitional periods for veterinary drugs, to provide for their application criteria, to change the procedure for informing market participants.