European Union criticised for being too pro-business

The EU is under fire for being too pro-business, with a study showing advisory groups are heavy with representatives of corporations.

Trade unions, including those representing public service workers, are accusing the European Commission of spending public funds to promote a business agenda over a citizens’ one.

A Brussels-based NGO, Corporate Europe Observatory, carried out a study from the information available on the commission’s websites about the 800 expert groups, and analysed 35 groups set up in the past year. In new groups established by three important directorate generals (taxation, secretariat general, and enterprise), they claimed small and medium enterprises made up 2% of members, trade unions 5%, and big business interests had more than 50% seats.