An investigation published in early 2026 has highlighted the growing influence of corporate lobbyists in shaping the European Union's regulatory agenda. The report, based on leaked documents and interviews with EU officials, indicates that a coordinated push by business groups has led to a series of deregulatory measures, particularly in the technology and finance sectors.
According to the findings, the number of meetings between senior EU commissioners and corporate lobbyists increased by 40% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Key decisions, such as the scaling back of proposed AI liability rules and the relaxation of banking capital requirements, are cited as direct outcomes of this lobbying pressure.
Transparency advocates have criticized the lack of public oversight, noting that many of these meetings were not recorded in the EU's official transparency register. The European Ombudsman has launched a preliminary inquiry into the matter, calling for stricter rules on lobbying activities.
In response, a European Commission spokesperson stated that all interactions with stakeholders are conducted in accordance with existing rules and that the EU remains committed to a balanced approach that supports both business innovation and public interest. However, critics argue that the current system favors well-funded corporate interests over those of citizens and small businesses.
