Podcast Summary – New Books Network: How Corporate Lobbyists are Capturing EU Institutions

Host: Liccia Cianetti (Deputy Director, CEDAR, University of Birmingham)
Guest: Kenneth R., Researcher and Campaigner at Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO)
Date: February 16, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode features a detailed discussion with Kenneth R. from Corporate Europe Observatory about his book A Europe of Capital, which explores the pervasive influence of corporate lobbyists within EU institutions. Drawing on nearly 30 years of CEO’s research and advocacy, Kenneth explains how lobbying has become embedded in EU decision-making. The conversation covers the scale and methods of lobbying, its impact on democracy, recent scandals, deregulation trends, and what might be done to counterbalance corporate power.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Scale and Nature of EU Lobbying

• Brussels Lobbyists: There are between 30,000 and 34,000 lobbyists in Brussels, most representing corporate interests.
  • “The vast majority work in some form or another for big companies... Their job is to influence decisions in the European institutions and they do that by intervening at all stages of decision making.” (Kenneth, 02:29)
• Broad Definition: While lobbying can include municipalities and NGOs, corporate business interests vastly outnumber others.

2. Lobbying Tactics and the Role of Expert Groups

• Entry Points: Lobbyists don’t just approach politicians—they are involved from the earliest stages, often advising the European Commission as “experts.”
• Expert Groups:
  • “We often come across this phenomenon that the industry which the proposal for a new law concerns actually dominates the advisory groups or the expert groups established by the Commission.” (Kenneth, 05:11)
  • The Commission proactively integrates corporate representatives into policymaking structures.

3. Case Study: The Tech Lobby and Regulation

• Massive Spending and Presence: Tech companies outspend and outnumber most other lobbyists; sometimes, there are more tech lobbyists than Members of European Parliament (MEPs).
• Lobbying Goals:
  • “They want all the leeway that they can get to do to go about their business as they please…to prevent the authorities from regulating their business in ways that will curb their profits…” (Kenneth, 07:34)
• Tactics: Frequent visits to parliamentarians, close relationships with the Commission, and legal challenges.

4. Barriers for Civil Society and Grassroots Access

• Imbalanced Access:
  • “Very, very, very, very different...the European Commission would typically let in everyone who would represent a big tech company and exclude those who...fought for data privacy and digital rights.” (Kenneth, 09:32)
• Blunt Exclusion: Currently, the Commission often claims that civil society groups’ expertise is not relevant because they're “not directly affected” by the regulations. (10:26)

5. Lobbying Embedded in EU Institutions: The ‘Competition State’

• Structural Embedding:
  • Kenneth argues that corporate interests have become part of the DNA of the EU, influencing agendas before democratic processes begin.
• Historical Context:
  • The formation of the “European Competition State” dates back to the 1990s, with the European Commission becoming increasingly aligned with business interests, notably via the European Roundtable of Industrialists. (12:41)
• Commission’s Power:
  • “The European Commission is a body that is in many ways exempt of some of the democratic scrutiny that other institutions are subjected to...” (Kenneth, 14:41)

6. Scandals and (Lack of) Reform

• QatarGate and Other Scandals:
  • Scandals temporarily drive calls for more transparency, but real change is rare.
  • “After such an incident, some things are bound to change. But the effect of these scandals...after some months, they wear off a bit.” (Kenneth, 16:13)
  • Promised reforms, like a mandatory public register of meetings, often fade away.

7. Revolving Doors Between Industry and EU Institutions

• Rules Exist, Enforcement Lags:
  • Former commissioners can (after a short “cooling-off” period) join corporate lobby groups or companies.
  • “In general, we think it's not enough...there are cases where the traffic from the Commission to lobby groups would simply be stopped.” (Kenneth, 19:07)

8. Deregulation and the ‘Competitiveness’ Narrative

• Push for Deregulation:
  • Since 2022, corporate lobby groups have pressured the Commission for a “change of style” centered on competitiveness.
  • Deregulation primarily threatens environmental, social, and digital protections. (21:56)
• Vague Terms:
  • “Anyone interested in what the European Commission means by competitiveness should explore the website...you will not find a clear definition...it's a very loose and very political concept.” (Kenneth, 24:10)
• Double Pressure:
  • In addition to domestic corporate lobbying, the US and other international actors (e.g., Trump administration) exert strong pressure for deregulation and weaker standards. (25:46)

9. Technical Mechanisms: ‘Omnibus Laws’

• Fast-Track Deregulation:
  • The Commission uses “omnibus laws” to bundle changes to many regulations, fast-tracking the process and reducing debate, consultation, and impact assessments.
  • “Omnibus laws are supposed to make deregulation more snappy...” (Kenneth, 27:06)

10. What Can Be Done? Democratic Action and Reform

• Progress Is Possible:
  • “I'm definitely not a pessimist...over the years, even my own small organization have scored many political victories.” (Kenneth, 28:54)
• Reduce Lobbyist Influence: CEO and partners push for the EU to reduce direct interaction with corporate lobbyists and increase transparency.
• Institutional Reform: Long-term solutions require amending treaties and institutional rules to address built-in imbalances and democratize EU structures.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Corporate Embeddedness:
  • “Corporate interests have managed to embed themselves at the core of the European project...become decision makers before even the democratic process starts.” (Host, 11:47)
• On Competitiveness Rhetoric:
  • “Competitiveness is about what corporate lobby groups are asking from us…it’s a very loose and very political concept...” (Kenneth, 24:10)
• On Exclusion of Civil Society:
  • “Civil society groups...their expertise is not valuable...a pretty blunt lack of interest in what civil society groups would have to say on the matter.” (Kenneth, 10:26)
• On Transparency and Scandal-Driven Reform:
  • “It appears that it's mainly the scandals of the size of Qatargate that push the European institutions to improving the rules.” (Kenneth, 18:46)
• On Hope and Political Victories:
  • “I'm definitely not a pessimist...We are building a fabulous network of groups that set out to counter the deregulation agenda...” (Kenneth, 28:54)

Timestamps for Key Sections

• Intro & Background on Lobbying: 00:01–04:28
• Expert Groups and Early Influence: 04:28–06:41
• Big Tech’s Lobbying Power: 06:41–09:17
• Civil Society Access and Exclusion: 09:17–11:23
• Institutional Embedding and the ‘Competition State’: 11:47–14:41
• Commission as the Corporate Lobby’s Stronghold: 14:41–15:45
• Recent Scandals and Calls for Reform: 15:45–18:46
• Revolving Doors: 18:46–20:56
• Deregulation Trends and ‘Competitiveness’ Narrative: 20:56–25:46
• International Pressure (US Influence): 25:21–26:44
• Omnibus Laws Explained: 26:44–28:31
• Pathways for Action and Democratic Reform: 28:31–31:24
• Final Remarks and Current Projects: 31:24–32:23

Further Resources

• Corporate Europe Observatory website ([CEO]): Regular reports, analyses, and the Lobby Planet Brussels guide.
• Book: A Europe of Capital (free download link in show notes).
• CEO’s podcast, EU Watchdog Radio: Further reporting on lobbying.

This summary captures the essential findings, insights, and tone of the episode, making clear the mechanisms, stakes, and reform possibilities in the struggle against undue corporate influence in EU policymaking.