In a significant development reported by Transparency International EU, US conservative organizations aligned with the MAGA movement are increasingly lobbying Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). This unprecedented engagement has largely been seen among non-aligned MEPs or those affiliated with the far-right parliamentary group, Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN). Entities such as Republicans from Chile’s National Renewal party and the Heritage Foundation have engaged with MEPs to promote agendas primarily skeptical of climate change and supportive of fossil fuel interests. Transparency International EU’s Policy Officer, Raphaël Kergueno, noted that these groups not only oppose climate action but also challenge EU technology regulations like the European Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act, framing their resistance in the context of protecting “freedom of expression.”
Moreover, the report highlights the rising influence of ADF International, a US-based Christian anti-abortion organization, within the European Parliament. Kergueno pointed out that this ultra-conservative group is pushing to lobby MEPs to adopt anti-abortion positions, marking a shift in discussions within Parliament that previously lacked such focus. Although abortion remains a matter governed by individual EU member states, these organizations aim to sway national policies through their interactions with MEPs. The political landscape, especially following recent elections in Europe, has provided these conservative groups with a more favorable environment to push their agendas.
While the report identifies at least twenty meetings between MEPs and US conservative organizations, it underscores a broader context where over 30,000 meetings between MEPs and various lobbyists occurred within a single year. Kergueno described a spectrum of lobbying interests, indicating that as one observes the political positions in Parliament from the right to the left, the nature of lobbying evolves. The far-right sees significant influence from American conservative groups; at the center, corporate lobbyists dominate, while left-wing politics tends to attract civil society organizations and trade unions.
The growing presence of these American conservative lobbyists in the European political sphere is indicative of a shift that could reshape the EU’s policy landscape. The influence of foreign organizations in domestic EU discussions raises concerns about the integrity and autonomy of European legislative processes. The lobbying efforts promote agendas that often directly conflict with established EU priorities, especially those related to climate change and social issues.
Among the twenty most active lobbying organizations in the European Parliament, a significant majority—fifteen—represent commercial interests, particularly from the fossil fuel sector. In contrast, only five organizations advocate for non-governmental interests. This imbalance suggests a disproportionate influence from commercial entities, especially those with ties to energy sectors, which could impede progressive measures aimed at sustainability and social welfare.
In summary, the report by Transparency International EU unveils a concerning trend of US conservative organizations gaining traction in EU politics, leveraging their lobbying efforts to influence decisions on climate policies and social issues. As these groups exploit a shifting political landscape, the implications for EU policymaking could be profound, potentially steering the legislative agenda away from progressive stances and compromising the integrity of democratic processes within the European Parliament.
