Why Corporate Europe is Lobbying For Stronger Climate Action

The European Commission's omnibus proposal is re-evaluating sustainability regulations, including the CSRD, to address the scope of businesses being held accountable for their environmental impacts.

European companies are lobbying for stronger climate goals as the Paris Agreement’s 2050 deadline draws closer.

A report from InfluenceMap, a data provider to the Climate Action 100+ investor process, shows that alignment with climate science has increased and misalignment has decreased.

Shifting from opposition to advocacy

European businesses are increasingly stepping up support for climate action, marking what analysts have called a “profound shift” in corporate lobbying. 

According to research by InfluenceMap, the share of European companies whose lobbying efforts are “aligned” with strategies to meet global climate goals has surged from just 3% in 2019 to 23% in 2025. 

In contrast, the proportion of firms actively working against climate targets has dropped from 34% to 14%.

The analysis, which examined 200 of the continent’s largest firms, found that more than half were at least “partially aligned” with the objective of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels.

“Those vocally organising to oppose the energy transition achieve outsized importance across public debate,” said Venetia Roxburgh, Programme Manager at InfluenceMap. 

“However, this research demonstrates that there is a larger, quieter majority that are supportive of decarbonisation and driving progress through climate policy.”

Why companies are embracing climate advocacy

One of the main drivers behind this shift is a growing recognition among firms that strong climate policy aligns with long-term commercial interests. 

Ambitious regulations create a level playing field, reduce uncertainty and stimulate innovation – particularly in sectors tied to clean technologies.

With acts like the European Climate Law, European companies are seeing climate leadership as a route to maintain competitiveness.

Investments in renewables, electric vehicles and green hydrogen are increasingly viewed not as a burden, but a strategic advantage.

An increase in pressure from investors and regulators has also played a critical role in aligning with climate goals.

Financial institutions are demanding greater climate transparency and action, while the European Central Bank and others have warned against diluting environmental targets.

Public scrutiny has also intensified – companies now risk damaging their reputations if they are perceived as obstructing climate progress. 

Many firms are distancing themselves from industry associations that oppose environmental reforms.

“Industry associations in the EU appear to be fighting a losing battle against the tide of positive corporate action on climate policies,” explains Venetia

“They need to urgently reassess their priorities if they are to continue to act as true representatives of the majority of their membership.”

Factors like the energy crisis, triggered by the war in Ukraine, has underscored the geopolitical risks of fossil fuel dependence. 

Many companies now advocate for an accelerated green transition to bolster energy security.

Trade associations for climate change

Despite growing alignment among individual companies, trade associations remain laggards. 

The share of aligned or partly aligned associations rose from 2% in 2019 to 12% in 2025.

InfluenceMap’s report highlights a handful of worst-performing companies, including:

• Polish utility PGE
• Austrian oil and gas producer OMV
• Spanish firms Repsol and Enagás
• German airline Lufthansa. 

These companies were ranked poorly based on their lobbying activities and policy positions.

“The scientific community has given us all the clear parameters when it comes to developing solutions to the climate crisis,” explains Dylan Tanner, Executive Director at InfluenceMap

“These solutions should be driven by binding policy action from governments, but they will also require genuine collaboration between these governments and the corporate sector. 

“That's why transparent climate policy engagements from businesses need to be a core part of any transition plan; to drive positive momentum forward and hold the corporate sector to account.”

Despite some companies ranking ‘worst-performing’, InfluenceMap’s findings suggest that more businesses are ready to fill the policy gap by lobbying in favour of ambitious climate legislation.

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