US Tech Firms Increase EU Lobbying Efforts

Under a fierce political crossfire in Europe and hobbled by a lack of natural allies, US technology companies are turning to their biggest asset to fight back: hard cash.

Google, Microsoft and others have poured money into lobbying efforts in Brussels in recent years, seeking to influence new European Union legislation on issues ranging from data protection to copyrights, and to fight legal battles with EU regulators -- and each other. The companies are directly targeting EU institutions, including the bloc’s executive arm and Parliament, and are also seeking to influence policy makers through several interest groups. At the same time, they are stepping up their public-relations campaigns, highlighting their efforts to create jobs in Europe.