New Books in Political Science How Corporate Lobbyists are Capturing EU Institutions
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Feb 16, 2026 Kenneth Haar, researcher and campaigner at Corporate Europe Observatory with nearly two decades studying corporate lobbying. He maps how lobbyists flood Brussels, dominate expert groups, and secure early access to reshape EU policy. He explains big tech tactics, revolving doors, and how a vague ‘competitiveness’ agenda fast-tracks deregulation through omnibus laws.
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Lobbyists Shape Policy Long Before Politicians
- Brussels hosts an estimated 30,000–34,000 professional lobbyists, mostly for big companies.
- Lobbyists shape policy at all stages and often work with the Commission before proposals reach elected politicians.
Expert Groups Privilege Industry Voices
- The European Commission sets up expert groups that often include industry insiders.
- These groups let the regulated industry dominate advisory roles used to draft laws and rules.
Big Tech Seeks Leeway, Not Limits
- Big tech lobbies seek maximum leeway to protect profits and avoid restrictive regulation.
- They combine meetings, legal challenges, and heavy Brussels presence to shape outcomes like AI, competition, and content rules.
