European Companies Boost Lobbying Efforts for Climate Action: Key Insights from Recent Report

Recent research shows that European companies are shifting their stance on climate action. Contrary to the belief that businesses view environmental regulations as a threat, many are now actively supporting strong climate policies.

According to a study by InfluenceMap, the percentage of companies lobbying in line with global climate goals jumped from just 3% in 2019 to 23% projected for 2025. This study analyzed 200 major companies and found that over half are now at least partially aligned with efforts to keep global temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels.

Venetia Roxburgh, an analyst at InfluenceMap, pointed out that while some companies vocally oppose environmental initiatives, a larger group is quietly pushing for decarbonization. “There’s a bigger majority that supports climate policy,” Roxburgh noted.

The study tracked corporate engagement through various sources, including public disclosures, EU consultations, and social media activity. This growing trend indicates that more businesses are becoming proactive in climate advocacy.

In 2019, following the announcement of the European Commission’s Green Deal, only one in four companies was partially supporting climate goals. By 2025, that number is expected to double. However, industry associations seem to lag behind individual companies. While the share of aligned associations rose from 2% to 12%, this is still much lower compared to individual companies.

This gap might be due to industry groups prioritizing the voices of the most vocal critics of climate policies. Roxburgh emphasized that these associations need to reassess their priorities to better represent the interests of their members.

On the downside, some companies earned low scores in the study’s rankings. Companies like Polish utility PGE and Austrian oil giant OMV were noted for their lack of engagement with climate-friendly policies. For instance, Enagás, a Spanish transmission system operator, claims to aim for net zero emissions by 2040, yet criticizes strict regulations on methane emissions.

Interestingly, the European Commission has shifted its focus towards “competitiveness” in recent months, following elections that favored far-right parties. This approach has led some environmental advocates to raise concerns that such a focus could lead to deregulation and increased pollution.

This trend highlights a significant change in how corporate Europe views climate change. As more companies align their lobbying efforts with environmental goals, the conversation around climate policy is evolving. The question remains: will this momentum continue, or will political shifts derail these positive efforts? For more details, you can check out the original research here.

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