**Apple’s Advocacy Activities in the EU: An In-Depth Examination**
A recent analysis by Corporate Europe Observatory has illuminated the noteworthy lobbying investments of major technology firms in the European Union, with Apple standing out as a significant participant. Over the past year, Apple allocated €7 million (about $8.1 million) towards lobbying initiatives, positioning it among the leading spenders in the tech industry, alongside Amazon and Microsoft.
The analysis points to an escalating pattern where technology firms are outpacing traditional sectors such as pharmaceuticals and automotive in their lobbying endeavors. The budget for lobbying within the digital sector has risen from €113 million in 2023 to €151 million in 2025, marking a 33.6% increase in merely two years. This surge emphasizes the tech sector’s vigorous drive for the deregulation of the EU’s digital legislation.
Apple’s lobbying pursuits encompassed 76 meetings with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and high-ranking officials from the European Commission. This degree of participation reflects the fierce policy confrontations currently in progress, with Big Tech companies holding an average of more than one lobbying session per day with EU representatives. Meta topped the spending at $10 million, while Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft each expended €7 million.
From January to June 2025, Big Tech entities collectively conducted 146 meetings with European Commission personnel, with Amazon at the forefront with 43 meetings, trailed by Microsoft (36), Google (35), Apple (29), and Meta (27). Moreover, these corporations organized 232 meetings with MEPs within the same timeframe, averaging close to two meetings per working day.
The analysis implies that the actual lobbying amounts might be underestimated, as EU transparency regulations only encompass meetings with high-ranking officials. Additionally, lobbying efforts are frequently bolstered by industry organizations that receive support from these technology titans. Apple is affiliated with nearly all of the 15 largest tech think tanks engaged in EU lobbying.
Apple’s lobbying undertakings are particularly significant due to its ongoing antitrust conflicts with the EU. The company has openly opposed the Digital Markets Act (DMA), calling for its repeal. This position reflects Apple’s wider approach to sway regulatory frameworks that might affect its business activities in Europe.
In summary, Apple’s considerable commitment to lobbying the EU underscores the growing significance of regulatory influence within the tech sector. As the digital environment continues to progress, the relationship between technology behemoths and regulatory authorities will remain a vital focus for both policymakers and industry participants.
