Corporate Europe Observatory

Exposing the power of corporate lobbying in the EU

Too Big to Control?

June 21st 2017The power of lobbies

Some of the world’s biggest companies producing chemicals for agricultural use, such as Bayer and Monsanto, are gearing up to join forces through mergers. This article exposes how the European Commission has consolidated its pro-merger track record over the past decades.

European Central Bank has bought more climate-trashing bonds

June 23rd 2017EU in crisis, Economy & finance

Pressure has been mounting on the European Central Bank over its purchases of certain corporate bonds, but new research shows no change. In its mission to stimulate the economy, it is still purchasing climate-harming bonds.

Recruitment Errors

June 11th 2017EFSA, Food and agriculture

Nearly half (46%) of all experts sitting on the scientific panels of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) still are in a direct and/ or indirect financial conflict of interest situation with the agribusiness and food industries. EFSA's Management Board is to adopt new independence rules on 21 June 2017, but the draft policy is not sufficient despite repeated criticism from the European Parliament. The report concludes with recommendations for improvements.

Telefónica: the well-connected EU and Spanish lobbyist

June 8th 2017Revolving doors, The power of lobbies

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

June 2nd 2017The power of lobbies

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.

New EFSA independence policy likely rejects most Parliament demands

June 22nd 2017EFSA, Food and agriculture

After many years of criticism and a very long drafting process, EFSA has finally adopted and published its new independence policy. But does it solve the problems it needs to solve? A lot remains unclear. Here is our first analysis.

Press release

Pro-merger stance of EU Commission both paradoxical and harmful, say academics

June 22nd 2017

The looming mega merger of agribusiness giants Bayer and Monsanto is only the latest example of highly disturbing economic concentration on the global seeds and pesticides markets. A new study published by Corporate Europe Observatory reveals since 1990, the EU Commission has approved nine out of every ten mergers without any conditions.

Press release

EU Food Safety Authority execs reject EU Parliament demands to stay clear of industry-funded experts

June 20th 2017

Top executives at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have revealed their recommendations to reject demands for more independence from the food industry, ignoring repeated calls from the European Parliament and civil society to close loopholes in the agency’s independence policy.

CEO in the headlines

Help CEO fight agribusiness lobbies in the EU

June 8th 2017Food and agriculture

At CEO, we are exposing how corporate lobby groups impact EU decisions on food and agriculture, and we are campaigning against their damaging influence on EU decisions. We’re asking for your financial support to continue and develop this work: producing in-depth research and campaigning is costly, and the best way to guarantee our independence is with donations from our readers and supporters. Any amount large or small will make a difference to our work!