The Rationality of Lobbying in Europe: Why are Euro-Groups so Numerous and so Weak? Some Evidence from the Car Industry

Abstract
The emerging literature on European lobbying suggests that groups are responding to the EC’s political development by organizing themselves into supranational federations. In recent years there has been a proliferation of Euro-groups. Furthermore, empirical studies have indicated that EC decision-makers prefer to consult via such federations (Pryce 1973; see also Ch. 1). However, this preference for consultation by the Commission appears to have been made difficult by fundamental weaknesses within the Euro-groups. Drawing on evidence from the car industry, our analysis considers three main themes: the service that the Euro-group provides for participating members; the weaknesses of these groups; and the rationale for participating in such organizations. This chapter notes the widespread assumption that because Community institutions are increasingly important, there is inevitably a growth in Euro-group activity.