Corporate Europe Observatory

Exposing the power of corporate lobbying in the EU

The power of lobbies

Brussels is at the centre of EU decision-making and as such attracts thousands of lobbyists promoting the interests of big business. In this section you can find basic information about this corporate lobbying and how it affects you as a citizen. Or you can visit our specific pages on the revolving door phenomenon of politicians who become lobbyists – and vice versa – and on the corporate dominance of expert groups whose advice helps make official policy for the EU.

If you want to investigate corporate lobbying, we have put together a list of online tools that can help.

[The fabulous dragon is exhibited in front of the EU Council from 26-28 November 2018. It's the handiwork of the Break Free From Plastic Alliance.]

Plastic pressure

November 26th 2018The power of lobbies, Environment

Industry lobbies continue their push to avoid robust obligations in the EU's proposal for dealing with single-use plastics.

[PART 1] A dangerous distraction: Seven myths industry uses to sell "renewable gas"

November 21st 2018The power of lobbies, Climate and energy

Part 1 dissects some of the key myths about renewable gas being promoted by industry and shows why they shouldn’t be believed.

[PART 2] A dangerous distraction: Industry lobbies behind "renewable" gas

November 21st 2018The power of lobbies, Climate and energy

Part 2 gives a first glimpse into the tactics and strategies used by the renewable gas lobby to influence Brussels decision makers

Brexit trade deal: finance lobby allowed to work in secret

October 25th 2018The power of lobbies, International trade

All eyes may be on the 'Brexit' process, but far more attention needs to be given to the way in which post-Brexit EU-UK trade negotiations are being conducted. While corporate interests seek to shape the future trade deal in their own interests, the public remains in the dark.

Lobby “deluge” on titanium dioxide, while labelling is postponed

September 26th 2018The power of lobbies, Environment

To classify as strongly and widely as possible, or not to – that is the EU’s question on titanium dioxide right now. The chemical is found in many everyday items including sunscreen and paint and is a “suspected carcinogen”. Discussion of the classification issue are underway, and what is already clear is that the controversy about corporate lobbying on this file is making some member states think again.

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Advance veto power would affect a huge range of services

February 14th 2019The power of lobbies

New information shows the chilling scope of proposed EU rules on services (the ‘Bolkestein Directive’) that would give the Commission advance veto power over decisions taken by parliaments and city councils on a vast range of services, including everything from childcare, to energy, to water, and even sex work.

Data for Permanent Representations' lobbying

February 6th 2019The power of lobbies

Check out who lobbies the Permanent Representations of Romania, the Netherlands, and Ireland by viewing the datasets provided to CEO.

TAKE ACTION: Strike a blow against corporate power in 2019

January 22nd 2019The power of lobbies, International trade

"Wait a minute. I don’t really get what ISDS is. ...." Here is our straightforward "What is What" on Investor-State Dispute Settlement - and why it's so dangerous.

Under ISDS corporations and the rich have sued governments for billions of euros – for anything from introducing health warnings on cigarettes to banning dirty oil drilling. Citizens, campaigners and social movements are uniting in 2019 to put an end to this parallel justice system for big business.

Investor privileges VS people and planet

January 22nd 2019The power of lobbies, International trade

Whenever a government passes a law which could potentially affect profits, the ISDS system enables companies to hit back with lawsuits for damages - often worth billions of euros. Under the ISDS (Investor-State Dispute Settlement) system, corporations have already sued countries for anything from introducing health warnings on cigarettes to placing a moratorium on fracking.