Learning from assertiveness: comparing lobbying practices targeted at US and EU legislators and examining possible implications for EU interest representation

Abstract

This bachelor thesis analyzes and compares lobbying practices in the US and the EU by focusing on the legal framework, business practices, statistics, and methods used by lobbyists. The thesis is aimed at confirming the hypothesis that US lobbying is more assertive, offering potential implications for enhancing EU interest representation. This thesis analyzes key legislative instruments, offers interviews with representatives from both jurisdictions, and explores relevant case studies. Findings of the work confirm the hypothesis and suggest that EU interest representation would benefit from a better codification of the lobbying legislation, direct access to decision-makers, more assertive communication channels, and increased transparency.