Foreign influence and lobbying activities are not by definition illegitimate, but can have a transformative impact on the political life of a country, including its domestic and foreign policy, economic interests, and election system, as well as its ability to protect its national security. Foreign influence activities can also be covert or deceptive, giving way to foreign interference, and the challenges increase when foreign commercial and government interests are intertwined. 

Strengthening the transparency and integrity of foreign influence activities is therefore essential: transparency measures, such as foreign lobbying registries, help public officials and citizens know whose foreign interests are being promoted. Likewise, integrity measures, such as conflict-of-interest policies, help mitigate revolving door risks between public organisations and foreign entities.