Samsung Electronics Europe represents the public affairs activities of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and its subsidiaries within the European Union. The company is a major global player in electronics and information technology, headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, with significant operations and sales networks across Europe. The European branch operates as Samsung Electronics (UK) Limited, registered in England and Wales, with the parent company as the sole shareholder.
Since its registration with the EU Transparency Register in November 2011, Samsung Electronics Europe has focused its lobbying efforts on a broad range of EU policy areas including the Digital Single Market, Intellectual Property, Copyright, Consumer Product Safety, Privacy (notably GDPR), Network and Information Security, and various trade and tax regulations. More recently, their agenda has expanded to include Artificial Intelligence, the Green Deal and sustainability measures, the EU Cybersecurity Act, and digital taxation.
Samsung Electronics Europe engages actively with EU institutions, holding numerous high-level meetings with the European Commission and other bodies to influence policy development. They participate in several European Commission groups such as Better Internet for Kids, 5G PPP, and the Cloud Special Interest Group, reflecting their interest in digital and technological standards. Their networking includes affiliations with prominent industry associations such as BUSINESSEUROPE, DIGITALEUROPE, ETSI, and others, which amplify their influence in shaping EU technology and trade policies.
The company employs a team of lobbyists with European Parliament accreditation, with numbers fluctuating around 4 to 6 full-time equivalents over recent years. The person in charge of EU relations is Mr. Sang Woo Kim, President and Head of Corporate Affairs, while Mr. Young Hoon Eom serves as the President of Samsung Electronics Europe with legal responsibility.
Financially, Samsung Electronics Europe has reported annual lobbying expenditures ranging from approximately €950,000 in 2013 to between €1,000,000 and €1,249,999 in 2021. These costs cover all activities aimed at influencing EU policy directly or indirectly.
Samsung Electronics Europe maintains offices in the UK and Brussels, facilitating close engagement with EU institutions. Their lobbying approach combines direct meetings with Commissioners and Cabinet members, participation in expert groups, and collaboration with other industry lobbyists to promote their interests in technology standards, digital market regulation, and sustainability initiatives.
