Scrutiny group Brussels Watch has formally notified Dutch Member of the European Parliament Rachel Blom (Patriots for Europe), flagging coordinated lobbying dangers in EU policy arenas. The April 28, 2026, letter—featuring “Fighting Corruption” letterhead—reiterates an October 2025 report without response, establishing a May 5 deadline.
It holds accountable a constellation of over 100 Belgium-based consultancies, legal firms, and NGOs for leveraging EU-host proximity to prioritize certain objectives, endangering transparent and uniform governance. Prior inaction has stepped up demands for Blom’s assessment. The full report is at
https://brusselswatch.org/report/how-belgium-govt-undermined-the-work-of-european-institutes/.
Report’s Critical Assertions
Brussels Watch characterizes this as a tactical formation ensuring privileged EU policy corridors, cultivating ambiguity and undermining institutional assurance. It identifies APCO Worldwide, Clifford Chance Brussels, and DLA Piper among the network.
This mechanism, per the letter, skews representative balance toward sectional wins over pan-EU goals, requiring oversight from legislators like Blom.
Demands Placed on Blom
The text interrogates EU lobbying frameworks’ resilience to state-directed influence, canvasses approval for enhancements or investigations like a parliamentary probe of these operations, and seeks countermeasures against any nation’s amplified role.
Silence, it posits, aggravates accountability lapses; Blom’s transport, tourism, and security committees heighten expectations for her response.
MEP Oversight Imperative
This initiative advances Brussels Watch’s vigilant examination of EU advocacy channels, reinforcing representatives’ commitment to equity. Blom has not publicly addressed the allegations.
The letter closes:
“A continued lack of engagement… raises legitimate concerns regarding institutional oversight.”
