McDonald’s Global Franchising Limited is the lobbying entity representing the interests of McDonald’s Corporation in the European Union. It primarily focuses on assisting European decision-makers and opinion-formers by providing information and contributing to informed debates regarding policies that impact the fast-food and franchising sectors. As part of the broader McDonald’s Corporation, a global fast-food giant founded in 1940 and operating in nearly 120 countries, this lobbying firm advocates on issues related to franchising, food regulation, labor standards, and business operations within the EU. The firm’s lobbying efforts are aligned with McDonald’s global business strategy, which includes adapting to local markets, addressing regulatory challenges, and managing reputational risks. McDonald’s has faced scrutiny over its lobbying activities, with shareholders recently pushing for greater transparency and reporting on both direct and indirect lobbying expenditures, including those through trade associations such as the International Franchise Association and the National Restaurant Association. Despite these pressures, McDonald’s maintains that its lobbying activities are conducted with robust board oversight and ethical standards. The lobbying firm’s presence in the EU Transparency Register reflects its commitment to transparency and compliance with EU lobbying rules, providing detailed disclosures on its financial expenditures and lobbying personnel. McDonald’s Global Franchising Limited’s lobbying activities are part of a broader corporate effort to influence EU policies that affect franchising operations, food safety, labor laws, and trade regulations, ensuring that the company’s interests are represented in the European policymaking process.
