Lobbying and Policy Making in the EU

Module description

The focus of this module is on the representation of interests in the European Union (EU) and their role in EU policy-making. Member States and EU institutions are not the only influential actors in European Union policy-making. A number of other organized interests make their presence felt – usually behind the scenes – in EU politics and policies. These actors range from pan-European trade associations and regional governments to lawyers, consultants, non-governmental organisations and multinational companies. Their presence increased with the expansion of responsibilities and membership of the European Union. The module examines the nature of organised interests in the EU, their strategies and their influence on the policy-making process. It also looks at the way in which EU institutions have responded to lobbying and the implications of lobbying on democracy in the EU.

Assessment details

One 1,000-word policy pitch (35%) and one 2,000-word essay (65%)

Educational aims & objectives

The module aims to:

• provide students with a thorough understanding of the interaction between EU institutions and lobbyists across a selection of key EU policy areas;
• equip students with the conceptual, theoretical and analytical tools to discuss and assess lobbying in the EU;
• engage with some current debates and key issues in lobbying in the EU;
• enable students to discuss the topics of the module and to be able to use what learnt for more policy-driven applications.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• analyse the role of interest groups in EU policy-making and how EU institutions and interests interact in the making of EU laws and policies;
• critically assess the role of interest groups across a number of EU policy areas;
• apply key theoretical approaches and discuss their potential and limitations;
• seek out key information on EU legislation through the EU’s public document databases, the EU’s lobbying register and other relevant websites;
• effectively construct, justify and communicate persuasive arguments targeting different audiences by drawing on relevant literature and sound empirical evidence.

Teaching pattern

1-hour weekly lecture and 1-hour weekly seminar

Week 1. Lobbying, interest groups and interest representation
Week 2. Interest intermediation in the EU
Week 3. Theorizing about interest representation and lobbying
Week 4. Lobbying strategies
Week 5. Lobbying influence and success
Week 6. Lobbying and finance in Europe
Week 7. Lobbying and EU trade policy
Week 8. Lobbying and environmental/climate policy
Week 9. Lobbying and EU foreign policy
Week 10. Lobbying, transparency and democracy

 

Note that this teaching schedule is indicative and subject to change.

Suggested reading list

• David Coen and Jeremy Richardson (eds.) Lobbying the European Union (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009)
• Greenwood, J (2011, 3rd ed) Interest Representation in the European Union (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan).

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.