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We expose the power
of corporate lobbying
in the EU.

Recent publications

Off the hook?

16.06.2021

Corporate lobbyists are fighting a proposed EU law that seeks to hold companies accountable for human rights abuses and environmental destruction. While some employ outright hostility and are clear that they don’t want the law in the first place, more insidious are those companies that while appearing cooperative, seek to fatally weaken the rules. We reveal the tactics used to undermine this law that seeks to stop corporate impunity and would require companies to exercise ‘due diligence’ along their global supply chains.

Lobbying the EU

Public and Parliaments kept in the dark on EU role in global COVID patent struggle

04.06.2021

On 20 May the EU Council of Ministers discussed their collective position over a proposal to waive Big Pharma’s patent monopolies on COVID vaccines and treatment. But they are keeping these crucial discussions hidden behind closed doors. It’s only thanks to leaked documents that we have an insight into the official Council position – the EU member states’ common position – on one of the major global political battles of our time.

Lobbying the EU

Big Pharma’s lobbying firepower in Brussels: at least €36 million a year (and likely far more)

31.05.2021

Big Pharma is currently waging a fierce lobbying battle to protect its monopoly patent rights for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. While Corporate Europe Observatory broadly outlines the sector's lobby spending, this is likely to be an underestimate of Big Pharma's true firepower; and up-to-date lobbying information and details are hard to come by. Weak EU lobby transparency rules are hampering the public scrutiny that is more needed than ever now during the pandemic.

Lobbying the EU

EU Defence Agency under pressure to change rules after Airbus revolving doors scandal

26.05.2021

“The Ombudsman is concerned about the potential risk of conflicts of interest.” These concerns led the European Ombudsman’s office to launch an inquiry into the European Defence Agency’s handling of the request by its former Chief Executive to allow him to become a lobbyist for Airbus.

Lobbying the EU

The Commission's pharma echo chamber

07.05.2021

Who meets the European Commission to discuss the scarcity of COVID vaccines and medicines in Europe and globally? An investigation of recent meetings show a disconcerting pattern: only those not questioning big pharma’s monopoly on patents seem to be allowed in. While mega-philanthropist Bill Gates and the pro-patent lobby are a powerful force influencing the EU’s response, proponents of COVID technology-sharing face closed doors.

Climate

EU Watchdog Radio: Episode 21

30.04.2021

In this new episode of EU Watchdog Radio we dive into the issue of plains, trains, cars and bicycles aka transport policy and why this is such a powerful issue in the context of climate change and healthy societies.

CEO is recruiting

CEO is recruiting a Communications Officer and a Digital Engagement Officer.

Deadline for applications 6 June.

Read the job descriptions and how to apply

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!

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