EU institutions

Brussels is at the centre of EU decision-making and as such attracts thousands of lobbyists promoting the interests of big business. In this section you can find basic information about this corporate lobbying and how it affects you as a citizen. Or you can visit our specific pages on the revolving door phenomenon of politicians who become lobbyists – and vice versa – and on the corporate dominance of expert groups whose advice helps make official policy for the EU.

If you want to investigate corporate lobbying, we have put together a list of online tools that can help.

Revolving doors

Telefónica: the well-connected EU and Spanish lobbyist

08.06.2017

When the EU’s 'Roam like at home' policy kicks in next week, it will be widely portrayed as a success story by EU leaders. But behind the scenes, a faction of member states absorbed the interests of their telecom companies, and secured compromises which have led to roaming becoming more complex and weaker than it might otherwise have been.

The creeping privatisation of healthcare

02.06.2017

A combined effect of EU-level policies and corporate lobbying is creating a pro-privatisation environment for healthcare provision in Europe. Our new research explores the EU policy areas – and the role of corporate lobbying – that encourages more privatised models of healthcare: marketisation, trade, public private partnerships, and economic governance.

Leaked industry slides reveal insights on the chemical industry’s lobbying strategy

17.05.2017

Remember the story of how the EU was going to take action against hormone disruptors, or EDCs? This week will see another make-or-break moment for the regulation of these harmful chemicals, fought heavily by the chemical industry, when a group of Member State experts will meet.

Fishing lobbies use press passes to loiter outside quota talks

04.05.2017

Dutch and Spanish fishing lobbies have used press passes to access the EU Council building during crucial ministerial negotiations on fishing quotas.

Fishing for influence

04.05.2017

A new investigation by Corporate Europe Observatory and Seas at Risk reveals that fishing industry lobbyists have used press passes to access the EU Council building during crucial ministerial negotiations on fishing quotas.

Opposition Rises to Planned Agribusiness Mega-Mergers

16.04.2017

Alongside 200 allied organisations, CEO has signed on to an open letter to Competition Commissioner Vestager, which raises objections to the planned mergers of six giant agribusiness corporations.

Pesticide industry instrumentalised Pope’s image to defend toxic products

05.04.2017

Participants to the 10th Forum for the Future of Agriculture, an annual lobbying event organised by Syngenta and the EU lobby of large landowners, were greeted with a "special" video message, an "Address from His Holiness The Pope". However, the video did not actually come from the Vatican.

Publishers and EU states risk entrenching ‘book famine’ for visually impaired people

21.03.2017

The EU is finally looking to ratify the Marrakesh Treaty to make a greater range of print publications available in accessible formats for visually impaired people. But as ratification draws closer, the extent and potential harm of publishing industry and member state lobbying is already excessive, our new research shows.

From Marrakesh to Brussels: the long arm of the EU copyright lobby

21.03.2017

Members of the copyright industry and their political allies are fighting proposed copyright exceptions. For the 285 million blind and visually impaired people globally, such exceptions would provide better access to a wider range of print publications.

Climate

‘Dieselgate’ lessons must be heeded to end industry self-regulation

28.02.2017

The final inquiry report of the European Parliament's 'Dieselgate' committee is about to highlight just how widespread emissions cheating has been among manufacturers, and lines up recommendations for curbing excessive car industry influence over emissions regulations.

Expert groups

Driving Into Disaster

24.02.2017

‘Dieselgate’ was the result of corporate-driven deregulation. Our new report takes a look at the complicity of the Commission's 'Better Regulation' agenda and at the way member states and European institutions have turned a blind eye to industry-wide abuse.

European Commission complicit in Dieselgate scandal, say NGOs

23.02.2017

‘Dieselgate’ was the result of corporate-driven deregulation, with both member states and European institutions complicit in turning a blind eye to industry-wide abuse, according to a report released today by Corporate Europe Observatory and Friends of the Earth Europe.