Fossil fuel company lobbying has a significant impact on EU climate policymaking, according to two new reports. The reports reveal that representatives from the world’s top seven fossil fuel companies held over 1,000 meetings with European officials between 2019 and 2024. Two-thirds of these meetings focused on the EU’s Green Deal strategy to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The lobbying efforts of the ‘Big Seven’, including Shell, Total, Eni, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and BP, totaled close to €64 million, making them among the most well-resourced organizations in Brussels. Transparency International also found connections between the networks present at COP28, the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, and fossil fuel lobbyists, suggesting a global influence of these lobbying activities.
At COP28, which had the highest presence of fossil fuel lobbyists in history, discussions did not lead to a total phaseout of fossil fuels. This “pipeline of power” extends from the EU level to the global level, highlighting the influence these companies have on climate policy decisions. Another report published by Fossil Free Politics revealed nearly 900 meetings between Ursula von der Leyen’s commission and fossil fuel lobbyists during its time in office. According to the report, the fossil fuel industry successfully weakened, delayed, and blocked necessary climate action. The report also suggests that the Russia-Ukraine conflict allowed fossil fuel companies to advise on Europe’s response to the energy crisis, influencing the REPowerEU agenda and the EU’s dependence on Russian gas. Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to strengthen the European Commission’s transparency system, with a call to subject all managers to the transparency register.
The influence of fossil fuel company lobbying on EU climate policymaking has raised concerns regarding the prioritization of hydrogen and carbon storage and capture systems, controversial technologies that have found their way into the EU’s climate strategies. The significant financial resources allocated to lobbying efforts by the ‘Big Seven’ highlight the power these companies hold in shaping climate policies. The overlap between networks present at COP28 and fossil fuel lobbyists underscores the global reach of these lobbying activities. The success of fossil fuel lobbyists in hindering climate action and influencing Europe’s response to the energy crisis highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in policymaking processes.
The reports indicate that the fossil fuel industry has had considerable success in influencing EU climate policymaking, raising questions about the transparency and accountability of decision-making processes. The weakening, delaying, and blocking of necessary climate action by fossil fuel lobbyists pose a significant challenge to achieving climate goals. The Russia-Ukraine conflict provided an opportunity for fossil fuel companies to advise on Europe’s response to the energy crisis, influencing the development of new plans and strategies. Efforts to strengthen the European Commission’s transparency system show a recognition of the need to address the influence of lobbying on policymaking. Greater transparency and accountability are essential to ensure that climate policies are not unduly influenced by the interests of fossil fuel companies.
Overall, the reports highlight the pervasive influence of fossil fuel company lobbying on EU climate policymaking and the need for greater transparency and accountability in decision-making processes. The significant financial resources allocated to lobbying efforts by the ‘Big Seven’ underscore the power these companies hold in shaping climate policies. The connections between networks present at COP28 and fossil fuel lobbyists suggest a global reach of these lobbying activities. Efforts to strengthen the transparency system of the European Commission are a step in the right direction to address the challenges posed by fossil fuel lobbying. It is crucial to ensure that climate policies are based on scientific evidence and the best interests of the public, rather than the lobbying efforts of fossil fuel companies.
