Other battles

Online privacy, clean air, affordable housing, whistleblower protection and much more: which other corporate lobby fights are putting EU public interest on the line?

Health

Big Tobacco and right-wing US billionaires funding anti-regulation hardliners in the EU

20.07.2017

Since the start of this year, two curious new groups have been set up in Brussels: the Consumer Choice Center and an EU branch of the Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco (Forest EU). They claim to represent consumers, but a closer look shows no links to those they allege to speak for.

Digital

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.

Health

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.

Environment

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.

Environment

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.

Digital

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.

Transport

‘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.

Transport

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.

Health

Will MEPs resist lobby pressure to derail better workplace cancer law?

22.02.2017

Next Tuesday, the European Parliament's employment committee will vote on a directive that, quite literally, is a life-and-death issue. On the table: the revision of EU laws to protect workers from cancer-causing substances at work.