The impact of US lobbying practice on the European business-government relationship

The gradual transfer of regulatory functions from national states to those of the European Union together with the establishment of the single marker have all contributed to the Europeanization of the business lobby. Yet few could have envisaged the rapidity with which firms' have developed their po litical skills and subtlety, let alone the important role they would play i n Europe. This article explores how the large firm has come to play such a prominent role in EU public policy making and compares and contrasts Europe an development with the American experience.