Brussels is at the centre of EU decision-making and as such attracts thousands of lobbyists, promoting the interests of big business. Easily outnumbering and outspending public interest groups, corporate lobbyists are also given privileged access by the European institutions. The emerging lobbycracy results in flawed policies that put commercial interests over those of people and the environment and undermines the very basis of democracy.
A complaint to the Ombudsman re Pat Cox
Corporate Europe Observatory has filed a complaint to the European Ombudsman asking him to investigate how the former chair of the Parliament, Pat Cox’s conflicts of interests were assessed by the European Commission.
Commission candidates face MEP questions
Commission candidates face questions from MEPs before approval - CEO will be blogging on what they say.
Lobby Register Review Fails to Fix Flaws
ALTER-EU says that the EU Commission's review of the lobby register will lead to minor improvements, but fundamental flaws, allowing lobbyists to operate without disclosing their activities, remain.