Since June 2024, lobbying related to defense issues in the European Union has seen a pronounced increase, as highlighted by Transparency International (TI) EU’s recent analysis. Between June 2024 and June 2025, there were 197 meetings arranged by various lobbyists, including consultancy firms and defense companies, marking a significant uptick from just 78 during the previous five-year period. This shift underscores the growing prioritization of defense by EU institutions, prompting both the European Commission and Parliament to become focal points for intensified lobbying efforts. TI’s senior policy officer, Raphaël Kergueno, emphasized that the rise in lobbying reflects the EU’s strategic focus on enhancing its defense capabilities and responses.
German Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have taken the lead in these defense-related discussions, participating in 55 meetings, followed by Bulgaria and Spain with 19 and 15 meetings, respectively. Other countries like Finland, Italy, and Denmark also registered notable engagement. The involvement of specific interest groups has varied significantly, with some organizations increasing their lobbying budgets to gain greater access to policymakers. For instance, RTX, a US defense manufacturer, organized ten meetings centered on European defense strategies. The Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) has shown a particularly marked presence with twelve meetings, up from only two in the previous mandate, indicating a concerted effort among major industry players to influence EU defense policy.
Financial commitments to lobbying efforts have surged correspondingly, reflecting the heightened urgency in defense matters following geopolitical tensions. Following Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, the EU has been pressing member states to escalate defense spending and address strategic military gaps. Initiatives such as the European Defence Industrial Production (EDIP) and the ambitious €800 billion ‘Defence Readiness 2030’ program aim to fortify Europe’s defense capabilities, incentivizing firms to enhance their lobbying activities within the EU sphere. The shift in focus towards security and defense is palpable in the budgets allocated by leading defense companies, with the top seven collectively spending up to €5.5 million in 2023, a 34% increase from the previous year. Notably, Airbus alone invested nearly €2 million towards influencing EU institutions.
Transparency and accountability in lobbying activities have become focal points of discussion amid this surge. Kergueno from TI cautioned that while all MEPs are required to disclose their lobby meetings, the lack of sanctions for non-compliance often undermines regulatory enforcement. Although the European Parliament updated its rules in September 2023 to enhance transparency by mandating that all scheduled lobby meetings be disclosed by MEPs and their assistants, loopholes remain. Informal meetings may still evade disclosure, raising concerns about the adequacy of existing regulations to ensure comprehensive transparency within the lobbying landscape.
A particular concern is the apparent lack of accountability among certain MEPs; 90 members, predominantly from far-right and hard-right political groups, have not reported any meetings since June 2024. This raises questions regarding their compliance with newly established transparency requirements and the potential consequences of non-disclosure. The discrepancy in engagement levels across different political factions also reflects broader trends within European politics and the varying priorities among MEPs regarding defense lobbying.
In conclusion, the current landscape of defense lobbying in Brussels illustrates a dynamic interplay between political priorities, industry interests, and regulatory frameworks. The significant increase in meetings and financial commitments is a direct response to evolving geopolitical realities and the EU’s strategic imperatives surrounding defense. As the bloc continues to expand its focus on security, understanding the implications of lobbying practices will be essential for ensuring effective governance and policy formulation. The challenge ahead will be not only to manage the influence of lobbyists but also to enhance transparency and accountability within the European Parliament’s operations to foster trust in the democratic process.
