LOBBYISTER OCH EU En kvalitativ analys av lobbying på EU:s institutioner

Abstract

Lobbying as a phenomenon and its purpose has been debated for decades. Some say it is used by big corporations trying to influence politicians to see it their way. Some scientists say lobbying provides a channel for the public to participate, by voicing their opinions. Earlier studies have indicated that the level of lobbying success varies between organizations, and also depending on the amount of coverage by media. But how it actually shines through in the European Union policy is still not researched. This thesis aims to showcase how arguments from kinds of organizations, during different levels of media attention could affect the outcome of policy. Corporations, such as BUSINESSEUROPE, tends to get their arguments across more when media attention is lower. And civil society groups, such as Friends of the Earth Europe, had more arguments that were in line with the institutions arguments when the media coverage was higher. Not only does this show how arguments could be picked up from non-political organizations to political institutions, but it also provides useful insight when assessing how non-political actors could affect the outcome of policy.