Brussels often feels distant from our daily lives, wrapped in complex regulations and negotiations that seem removed from local concerns. But the reality is quite different: the European Union (EU) plays a crucial role in shaping policies that affect businesses, workers, consumers, and entire industries across the continent. Whether it’s trade, energy, climate action, or digital regulation, decisions made in Brussels have a direct impact on our economies and societies.
The EU is home to some of the world’s most significant economic and political initiatives. With a single market of over 450 million people, it sets global standards for trade, data protection, competition rules, and sustainability. Yet, when discussing EU policies, many still perceive them as something abstract—something for politicians and lobbyists rather than for everyday citizens, entrepreneurs, and researchers. This lack of engagement can be detrimental, as it means that many sectors miss out on opportunities to shape legislation that directly affects them.
A key example is lobbying and advocacy. According to Transparency International, around 25,000 lobbyists operate in Brussels, influencing legislation that governs industries ranging from technology to agriculture. Meanwhile, many businesses, universities, and civil society organisations outside the Brussels bubble lack a strategic presence in EU decision-making. Countries with well-established advocacy networks secure better representation and funding for their priorities, while others risk being sidelined.
The start of 2025 brings both challenges and opportunities for the EU. A new European Commission is taking office, setting the direction for the next five years of policymaking. Critical discussions on economic competitiveness, industrial strategy, and energy security are unfolding, while geopolitical tensions demand stronger European unity and leadership.
A key report that is shaping this agenda is the Draghi Report on European competitiveness. This 400-page document lays out a roadmap for strengthening the EU’s position in the global economy, but the question remains—who will influence its implementation? Ensuring that diverse voices are heard in this process is essential for a balanced and forward-thinking EU strategy.
Moreover, the EU budget and funding mechanisms are undergoing adjustments that will determine how resources are allocated for research, infrastructure, and green transitions. Sectors that engage with EU institutions early can better position themselves for funding and policy alignment.
Engagement with EU politics is not just for national governments—it requires active participation from businesses, academia, and civil society. Large corporations and well-organised industries in Western Europe have long understood this, maintaining permanent offices in Brussels to ensure continuous representation. Smaller enterprises, startups, and NGOs across Europe must adopt a similar approach, working collectively to have a stronger voice in the EU’s legislative process.
Here are some key steps for more effective engagement:
The policies crafted in Brussels define Europe’s future competitiveness, innovation capacity, and global standing. For businesses, researchers, and civil society, ignoring EU politics means missing out on funding, partnerships, and regulatory frameworks that could determine their success or failure. Engaging with EU institutions is not about bureaucracy—it is about shaping the rules of the game before they are set in stone.
2025 presents a pivotal moment to ensure that diverse voices are heard in European policymaking. Whether you run a company, conduct research, or simply care about the future of your country, now is the time to take an active role in shaping Europe’s direction. The decisions made in Brussels today will define our collective future for years to come.
