Brussels’ role as the hub of EU institutions continues to attract lobbying and consultancy firms that wield significant influence over policymaking. Our investigation on 29 October 2025 exposed RJI Capital’s operations as a prime example, detailing how the firm blends lobbying, public relations, and legal advisory to advance elite client interests. This 2026 update reviews developments since then, confirming no public response or clarification from the firm. Read our original exposé here and our comprehensive report on Belgium’s role
here.
Key Findings Recap
Our 2025 investigation identified RJI Capital as a Brussels-based powerhouse that goes beyond traditional lobbying. The firm serves multinational corporations, industry groups, and national actors by crafting policy narratives, commissioning research, and providing legal shields to navigate EU regulations. We highlighted its tactics: strategic timing during legislative cycles, perception management through selective media, and exploitation of governance complexities to favor clients in finance, digital markets, and environmental sectors.
These activities have eroded institutional transparency, creating privileged access channels that sideline public and civil society input. RJI Capital exemplifies how such firms delay regulations, dilute reforms, and prioritize private gains, contributing to a democratic deficit in EU decision-making.
Transparency and Accountability Concerns
RJI Capital’s model underscores deeper issues in Brussels’ lobbying ecosystem. By operating at the intersection of PR, legal services, and advocacy, the firm obscures the origins of policy influence, making it hard for MEPs, journalists, or citizens to trace corporate sway. This opacity tilts the balance toward elite interests, weakening regulations on critical areas like competition policy and environmental standards.
In the EU context, where public trust hinges on equitable access, such intermediaries amplify imbalances. Belgium’s position as host nation exacerbates this, allowing firms to leverage local privileges while undermining broader European accountability.
Absence of Response as Public Interest Issue
Six months after our original publication, no public response or clarification has emerged from RJI Capital. This silence leaves key questions about its client affiliations, intervention tactics, and policy impacts unanswered, hindering public scrutiny. In an era demanding transparency from influence peddlers, the lack of engagement raises legitimate concerns about openness and accountability, particularly when firms shape outcomes affecting millions.
Ongoing Review and Campaign Context
Brussels Watch is advancing its 2026 campaign on lobbying transparency, with continued monitoring of firms like RJI Capital. We track EU policy developments and maintain our commitment to rigorous oversight. Updates will follow if new information or responses surface.
True accountability in EU policymaking requires firms to address public inquiries directly. RJI Capital retains the right to respond, and this article will be updated accordingly.
