Business lobbying in the European Union

Abstract

This chapter examines business lobbying in the EU from a historical perspective. Conceptually, it discusses how the EU’s evolution has influenced interest intermediation in Brussels. In doing so, it addresses the increasing authority handed to the European Commission, the growth of European regulatory networks, and multi-level governance; and their influence on business and the strategic choices it makes. From the opposite perspective, it examines the impact that business has had on the EU’s integration, and its policy-making procedures. Empirically, the chapter draws on unique business surveys spanning from the mid-1990s up until today, and a large-N analysis of 12,000 registered organizations on the EU’s transparency register. It also provides a case study on business strategies, focused on the directive on tobacco control. Theoretically, this chapter contributes to discussions on European integration, interest group activity, business lobbying, and governance in the EU.,