The politics of persuasion. Should lobbying be regulated in the EU?

Summary:

The EU is at a crossroads. Should it choose the path towards protectionism or the path towards free trade? This book convincingly argues that lobbying regulation will be a decisive first step towards fulfilling the European dream of free trade, in accordance with the original purpose of the Treaty of Rome. Without the regulation of lobbyists to try and prevent undue political persuasion, there is a greater risk of abuse in the form of corruption, subsidies and trade barriers, which will come at the expense of consumers, tax payers and competitiveness.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Power centralization
3. Bureaucracy
4. The EU emissions trading system (ETS)
5. Green industries, switch points and first-movers
6. Countervailing lobbying
7. Alignment of incentives
8. Should lobbying be regulated in the EU?