Rising Lobbying Spending in Brussels
The technology industry is investing heavily in lobbying efforts within the European Union, with annual expenditures reaching €151 million. This represents a more than 50% increase compared to four years ago, according to research conducted by the NGOs Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO) and Lobby Control. The increased spending highlights the growing influence of tech companies in shaping EU digital policies.
Among the top spenders, Meta leads with €10 million, while Microsoft and Apple each allocate €7 million. These figures underscore the significant financial resources that major tech firms are channeling into influencing regulatory decisions in Brussels.
Pressure on EU Tech Legislation
At the same time, EU tech legislation, including the artificial intelligence rulebook and platform regulations, has faced mounting pressure from both the US administration under President Donald Trump and the tech companies themselves. Critics argue that these regulations are too restrictive and hinder innovation.
In February, US Vice President JD Vance claimed that "in Europe free speech is in retreat," while in August, Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged diplomats to undermine the EU’s Digital Services Act. These statements reflect the broader geopolitical tensions affecting digital regulation in Europe.
The NGOs' report emphasizes that over the past year, tech industry lobby groups have used their substantial budgets to push for deregulation of the EU's digital rulebook. The intensity of this policy battle is evident in the frequency of meetings between Big Tech companies and EU Commission officials, with an average of more than one meeting per day.
Debate Over AI Act
This pressure has sparked a debate about potentially pausing the AI Act, which aims to regulate AI systems based on the risks they pose to society. The rules range from minimal enforcement to greater compliance for high-risk systems and prohibitions.
Despite the calls for a pause, the European Commission has stated it is not considering a "stop the clock" or pause of the implementation phase of AI rules. However, its upcoming digital simplification package, expected in mid-November, may include potential burden relief for companies subject to the AI Act.
Key Players in Lobbying Spend
According to the NGO's research, based on data from the EU Transparency Register, ten companies — Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Qualcomm, Google, Digital Europe, Telefonica, Intel, and Samsung — account for €49 million in lobbying spend. This is up from €40 million two years ago.
Several companies have notably increased their budgets. Amazon saw an increase of €4.2 million, while Microsoft and Meta each added €2 million. The business lobby group Digital Europe also raised its budget by €1.2 million, reflecting the growing influence of industry associations in shaping policy.
Bram Vranken, a researcher and campaigner at Corporate Europe Observatory, described the rise in tech lobbying as "highly alarming." He urged the Commission to enforce its digital rulebook rather than yielding to corporate interests.
EU Response to US Pressure
EU lawmakers have called on the Commission, particularly Tech Commissioner Henna Virkkunen, to respond firmly to Trump's threats of imposing tariffs on countries whose technology regulations harm US companies. Some lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of response following Trump's remarks, in which he warned, “Show respect to America and our amazing tech companies or consider the consequences.”
A Commission spokesperson defended Virkkunen, stating that she would continue to fight against unfounded claims. Meanwhile, the Commission has reached out to Meta, Microsoft, and Apple for comment on the ongoing discussions.