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.

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.

Fishing for influence

May 4th 2017The power of lobbies, Food and agriculture
A new investigation by Corporate Europe Observatory and Seas at Risk reveals that fishing industry lobbyists have used press passes to access the EU Council building during crucial ministerial negotiations on fishing quotas.

Opposition Rises to Planned Agribusiness Mega-Mergers

April 16th 2017The power of lobbies, Food and agriculture
Alongside 200 allied organisations, CEO has signed on to an open letter to Competition Commissioner Vestager, which raises objections to the planned mergers of six giant agribusiness corporations.

From Marrakesh to Brussels: the long arm of the EU copyright lobby

March 21st 2017The power of lobbies
Members of the copyright industry and their political allies are fighting proposed copyright exceptions. For the 285 million blind and visually impaired people globally, such exceptions would provide better access to a wider range of print publications.

‘Dieselgate’ lessons must be heeded to end industry self-regulation

February 28th 2017The power of lobbies, Climate and energy
The final inquiry report of the European Parliament's 'Dieselgate' committee  is about to highlight just how widespread emissions cheating has been among manufacturers, and lines up recommendations for curbing excessive car industry influence over emissions regulations.

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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.

Press release

Pesticide industry instrumentalised Pope’s image to defend toxic products

April 5th 2017The power of lobbies

Participants to the 10th Forum for the Future of Agriculture, an annual lobbying event organised by Syngenta and the EU lobby of large landowners, were greeted with a "special" video message, an "Address from His Holiness The Pope". However, the video did not actually come from the Vatican.

Press release

UK's ex-EU Commissioner Hill goes through revolving door on Brexit launch day

March 29th 2017Revolving doors

On Brexit launch day, the European Commission approved the revolving door move of UK ex-EU Commissioner for financial and banking policy, Jonathan Hill, to law firm Freshfields. The firm is engaged in lobby and advisory work for several UK financial industry clients.