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.

Ombudsman turns up the heat on Commission over Special Advisers

July 6th 2017Revolving doors, The power of lobbies
The European Ombudsman has completed her own initiative inquiry into European Commission Special Advisers by publishing a list of 10 “suggestions” for reform, especially regarding conflicts of interest assessment. Will the Commission heed her advice?

Too Big to Control?

June 21st 2017The power of lobbies, Food and agriculture
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.

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.

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

May 17th 2017The power of lobbies, Food and agriculture
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.

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Welcome to JEFTA!

September 11th 2017The power of lobbies, International trade

The European Commission is negotiating trade deals and it is currently finalising a deal with Japan, the Japan-European Union Free Trade Agreement or JEFTA.
Regulatory cooperation in JEFTA has the potential to be detrimental to our democracy, giving big business more rights to be involved in lawmaking at an early
stage.

Help us to roll back corporate power in Europe

April 25th 2017The power of lobbies

Support Corporate Europe Observatory today and help us share our research and organise events across Europe during our 20th anniversary.

Event

Attac European Summer University (France)

April 6th 2017EU in crisis, The power of lobbies, Water, Climate and energy, Economy & finance, Environment, Food and agriculture, International trade

We will be joining activists, organisations and social movements from across Europe for the Attac Summer University in France.

Event

Paris lobby tour: qui sont ceux qui s’opposent à la justice fiscale (in French)

March 29th 2017The power of lobbies, Economy & finance

Ce lobby  tour à Paris vous propose de partir à la découverte des entreprises, institutions financières, firmes d’audit, cabinets de lobbying, associations professionnelles et autres qui contribuent à freiner les mesures pour la justice fiscale, en France et au niveau européen.

Le lobby tour est organisé par CEO, Observatoire des Multinationales, Attac France, ActionAid France, CCFD-Terre Solidaire, Plateforme Paradis fiscaux et Judiciaires.