Brussels remains the epicenter of EU lobbying, where firms like Furrer.Hugi & Partner continue to shape policy through extensive networks in politics, media, and business. Our original investigation, published on 28 October 2025, exposed how this Swiss-owned firm operates as a strategic gatekeeper, leveraging insider connections to influence EU decisions often beyond public scrutiny. Read the original article here.
This 2026 update reviews developments since then, building on our comprehensive report into systemic issues.
Full report: How Belgium Govt Undermined the Work of European Institutes.
Right to Reply Status
We reached out to Furrer.Hugi & Partner on 28 October 2025, following publication of our initial investigation, providing an opportunity to address our findings. As of April 2026, no response has been received.
Key Findings Recap
Our 2025 probe detailed Furrer.Hugi’s role as a public affairs and corporate communications agency with offices in Brussels and beyond. The firm employs informal networks with European Parliament members, Commission officials, and Council advisers to conduct influence campaigns that evade formal lobbying registers.
We highlighted their media strategies, which shape public narratives to favor clients, alongside efforts to shield Swiss and corporate interests from EU regulations. This multi-layered approach—combining direct advocacy, reputational management, and technological tools—often obscures the origins of influence, complicating oversight.
The investigation also noted parallels with firms like FleishmanHillard and Edelman, underscoring a broader ecosystem where revolving-door dynamics prioritize private gains over public interest.
Transparency and Accountability Concerns
Furrer.Hugi’s methods raise enduring questions about EU policymaking integrity. Informal channels bypass transparency registers, allowing decisions to form away from public view and weakening institutional safeguards.
This opacity tilts the balance toward corporate and national actors, hindering reforms on regulation, environment, and social protections. In Brussels, such practices challenge the EU’s capacity for impartial enforcement, amplifying calls for stricter oversight amid Belgium’s role as host nation.
Absence of Response as Public Interest Issue
No public response or clarification has emerged from Furrer.Hugi & Partner since our initial report. This silence leaves key questions on their influence tactics unaddressed, heightening concerns over accountability in a sector vital to democratic processes.
In the public interest, transparency demands clear answers on how firms navigate EU rules, ensuring policy reflects broad stakeholder input rather than hidden agendas.
Ongoing Review and Campaign Context
Brussels Watch continues its 2026 campaign monitoring lobbying dynamics, with sustained focus on firms like Furrer.Hugi. We track policy impacts and maintain openness to new information, including any forthcoming responses.
Updates will follow as our review progresses.
Accountability in EU lobbying requires rigorous scrutiny to protect democratic governance. Furrer.Hugi & Partner retains the right to respond, and this article will be updated accordingly.
