The European Parliament witnessed another FFP event, where MEPs, academics and our allies from civil society gathered to discuss what could and should be done about the undue influence of fossil fuel lobbying on our politics.
The event was more than just another meeting, it also marked the launch of our new initiative: the Fossil Free Politics MEP Pledge.
Under the shadow of yet another oil crisis, the discussion on “How to limit the influence of the fossil fuel lobby on EU decision making” captured the attention of our elected decision makers.
The event was hosted by Lynn Boylan MEP (The Left) and Lena Schilling MEP (Greens/EFA), two prominent members of the progressive section of the hemicycle. Nicolás González Casares MEP (S&D) also joined to make an intervention about his experiences of the fossil fuel lobby, as did other MEPs who were initial signatories to the pledge and their assistants, filling up the room nicely and joining the open conversation.
To make sure civil society and science is present in the conversation, we invited speakers from across civil society to speak.
- Dr Rachel Barry, tobacco lobby expert (Centre for 21st Century Public Health)
- Maria Santos, community and renewable energy campaigner (Friends of the Earth Europe)
- David Ollivier de Leth, researcher (SOMO)
As a twist, it turned out an industry lobbyist had also taken interest in the topic and joined the conversation without properly identifying themselves. Their presence and behaviour really showed why we indeed need more transparency on lobbying at the EP. It was a nice opportunity to put our views across and argue for regulation of the fossil fuel industry!
Taking a pledge
To show their dedication to the cause, we invited MEPs to sign our pledge, which commits them to keep a distance from the fossil fuel lobby. They signed up to the following points:
a) I will interact with the fossil fuel industry only when and to the extent strictly necessary to be able to effectively regulate this industry and the transition.
b) Where interactions with the fossil fuel industry are necessary, I will engage in them transparently. Whenever possible, I will hold these interactions in public—for example, through public hearings, advance notice, and the disclosure of records to ensure public access.
The event gathered cross-party support and attracted signatures for the Pledge. And since then more and more MEPs are signing on. Find more details and see the full list of MEPs who have signed so far here.