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

EU tax officials: open door for tobacco lobbyists

22.02.2018

New research by the Tobacco Investigations Desk shows that tobacco industry lobbyists worked hard to weaken the European Commission’s stance on tobacco product taxes, while enjoying an “open door policy”, despite having signed on to an international treaty to protect public health officials from tobacco lobbyists.

Lobby groups & tactics

Arms industry lobbying in Brussels

04.12.2017

On 4 December, the arms industry and the EU came together for the 'European Defence Industry Summit'. Our new joint infographic explains how arms industry lobbying is shaping the EU's 'defence' agenda.

Lobby groups & tactics

Arms industry lobbying and the militarisation of the EU

04.12.2017

Lobbying by the arms industry has been playing an increasingly influential role in EU policy-making and the EU's plans to start funding 'defence' research and development.

Austerity

Is the European Commission preparing a new privatisation push?

13.11.2017

With KPMG compiling an assessment of the “operational and fiscal challenges” of state-owned enterprises for the public purse on behalf of the European Commission, concerns about a new wave of privatisation arise.

Digital

Big Data is watching you

17.10.2017

MEPs are about to determine how secure our data is when we are online in this week's vote on ePrivacy Regulation. For the past 16 months, industry lobbies, including all those who commercially use personal online data, have been vigorously opposing new proposals on ePrivacy, while digital rights campaigners demand optimum data privacy for citizens online.

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.

Other battles

EU tax officials: open door for tobacco lobbyists

Arms industry lobbying in Brussels

Arms industry lobbying and the militarisation of the EU

Is the European Commission preparing a new privatisation push?

Big Data is watching you

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

Telefónica: the well-connected EU and Spanish lobbyist

The creeping privatisation of healthcare

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

Fishing for influence

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

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

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