Is business lobbying in the European Union context-dependent? Evidence from the policy field of radio spectrum. (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Massaro, Maria
• Is Part Of: Telecommunications policy. Volume 43:Number 10(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: Business interest groups -- European Union -- Institutions -- Policy issues -- Radio spectrum; Telecommunication -- Periodicals; Télécommunications -- Périodiques; 384
• DOI: 10.1016/j.telpol.2019.101827
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-5961

Abstract

Abstract: This paper investigates contextual factors which impact on how business lobbying is carried out in radio spectrum policy in the European Union (EU). Based on the empirical evidence collected by means of ten expert interviews, the following considerations are drawn: first, the European Commission (hereafter "the Commission") weighs highly information provided by corporate stakeholders which is in line with the EU objective to promote EU-wide coordinated use of radio spectrum. Second, the way the Council of the EU (hereafter "the Council") is lobbied at EU level is unclear because of lack of transparency in the Council. Third, radio spectrum policy issues require niche expertise to be addressed because of high degree of complexity. Fourth, radio spectrum policy issues are characterised by low degree of salience as they are too technical for the wider public. Although centred on the EU context, the issues raised in this study, such as lack of transparency and civil society underrepresentation, are not unique to the EU system. In this respect, comparative studies between the EU and other institutional contexts may contribute to a better understanding of variation in business lobbying. Highlights: The Commission welcomes business interests that encourage spectrum harmonisation. The Council of the EU is lobbied at both national and EU level. Radio spectrum issues are complex and require niche expertise to be addressed. Citizens interest representation is almost absent in radio spectrum policy.