The European Business Lobby

Abstract

Lobbying is a familiar if not always welcome reality in politics and many now recognise that companies have a legitimate role to play in the public policy process. But how firms set about exerting influence – and what works best – is still something of a mystery. In particular, few empirical studies have examined how firms have tackled the fast‐changing Brussels maze. Based on interviews and a survey, this article outlines how firms have come to play a prominent role in the European Union’s policy process and how their approach to influencing EU policy has developed. It then analyzes which methods they think are most effective – and most cost‐effective. The author concludes by assessing the extent to which building strategic alliances with rival firms and public interest groups facilitates their own direct lobbying at the European Commission forums, and vice‐versa.