Home | Corporate Europe Observatory

We expose the power
of corporate lobbying
in the EU.

Recent publications

New Commission: Shadows of corruption and conflicts of interest

25.09.2019

Some of the candidates put forward to become the new European Commissioners are of concern due to potential conflicts of interest – from share ownership in fossil fuels and finance to overly close relationships with business – and corruption probes, while MEPs complain of a lack of a robust transparency process to properly scrutinise the interests of the Commissioners-designate.

Climate

Cut gas, oil and coal out of our politics!

24.10.2019

For decades, fossil fuel companies and their lobbyists have denied science, and have delayed, weakened, and sabotaged climate action. They made billions in profits, while heating the planet and destroying communities. This stops now.

Lobbying the EU

Über influential?

05.09.2019

Platforms like Uber and Airbnb are waging a multifaceted lobbying campaign in Brussels to undermine social and workers' rights - and the Commission in particular, is working to help the platforms evade rules meant, for example, to ensure decent working conditions and access to housing. This report shows how the platforms operate.

Finance

Stop top EU banking supervisor from moving to the finance lobby

23.10.2019

The European Banking Authority must reverse its decision to allow its Director Adam Farkas to take up a position with a powerful finance lobbygroup, AFME. A statement from 58 civil society organisations.

Lobbying the EU

Reform of Council transparency in stalemate

10.10.2019

Opening up Council decision-making is essential to counter corporate influence on EU decision-making. But the reform process is currently in stalemate.

Trade

How ISDS corporate privileges risk to undermine community struggles

05.07.2019

In Croatia, Italy and Romania communities have stopped dirty oil drilling, toxic mines and other disastrous corporate projects. Now, big business might get its way in ISDS corporate courts. But the local communities continue to stand strong.

Stop ISDS: rights for people, rules for corporations

Sign the petition to the President of the European Commission, the presidency of the EU Council, representatives of EU Member States and Members of the European Parliament.

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Issues we work on

Food & agriculture

How do agribusiness corporations impact decisions on our food system?

Trade

How is big business using the EU's trade and investment agreements to sideline people, planet and democracy?

Lobbying the EU

How vulnerable are the EU institutions to undue corporate influence, and what gaps exist in EU lobbying and ethics rules?

Finance

What influence does the financial lobby have over banking regulation and other financial markets?

Climate

How are polluting industries lobbying against real climate action?

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?

The corporate lobby tour

Sometimes stories in the news can make you wonder who is really pulling the strings. This 10-minute video exposes the role corporate lobby groups have in EU decision-making: who they are, how they get what they want, and how they affect you and others like you all over Europe. From the food on your plate, to rules for bankers, to the chemicals allowed in everyday products. Watch, learn, and share!

Help us stay independent

We are a small team that works fully independently of funding from the EU,
governments, political parties and corporations.
Every single donation helps us fight the hold of Big Business over the EU.

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