Explaining the Power and Limitations of Business Lobbying in EU Environmental and Energy Politics:

Analysis of EU Ecodesign Regulations Based on the Advocacy Coalition Framework and New Institutionalism

Abstract

This paper discusses business lobbying activities in the European environment and energy policy making process. Business and industry are considered powerful actors that have great influence on EU policy making. However, this paper questions this conventional view through a case study of ecodesign legislation and the issue of double regulation. Drawing on the advocacy coalition framework and new institutionalist theory, this paper analyzes the review process of ecodesign implementing measures on industrial fans where the issue of double regulation was widely taken up. It describes the lobbying activities of final product manufacturers who fought against double regulation and highlights several factors that explain why their lobbying activities led to limited results.