The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) is the United Kingdom’s premier business organization, representing approximately 170,000 to 240,000 businesses of all sizes and sectors across the UK, including every region and nation. Established to promote the interests of British businesses, the CBI plays a crucial role in shaping economic and trade policies both domestically and internationally. The organization acts as a key interlocutor between the business community and policymakers, working closely with the UK government, international legislators, and regulatory bodies to create favorable conditions for business growth and competitiveness.
The CBI has a significant presence in Brussels through its Brussels Office, established in 1971, which serves as a vital lobbying and advocacy hub for UK companies vis-à-vis the European Union institutions. This office focuses on influencing EU legislation and regulations to ensure that trade between the UK and EU remains as frictionless as possible under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The CBI Brussels Office actively monitors the implementation of the TCA and engages with EU policymakers to prevent the creation of non-tariff barriers that could increase costs or reduce the capacity of UK businesses to trade with the EU.
Post-Brexit, the CBI has adapted its lobbying strategies to maintain influence within the EU policymaking environment despite the UK’s changed status. It leverages its technical expertise and strong links with European business associations, such as BusinessEurope, to sustain UK business interests in Brussels. The CBI also fosters broad coalitions and networks, including think tanks, consultancies, civil society, and UK government offices in Brussels, to diversify its advocacy routes and hedge risks associated with reduced direct access to EU institutions.
The CBI’s lobbying efforts cover a wide range of policy areas, including trade, climate-related regulations, intellectual property rights, and internal market issues. It is recognized as one of the most influential business lobby groups in the UK and Europe, with a mission to ensure that British businesses can compete effectively on the global stage. The organization also launched the Brussels Community to unite professionals across sectors and regions to shape EU policy engagement and drive UK growth opportunities across Europe.
