Bridging the Gap Between Associations and Businesses

Photo by Lukas S on Unsplash

In recent years, a notably positive transformation has occurred in the climate advocacy landscape of European industries. A recent report by InfluenceMap highlights that the proportion of major European companies actively lobbying in alignment with global climate goals has increased from 3% in 2019 to 23% in 2025. Simultaneously, those categorised as "misaligned" have decreased from 34% to 14%. This shift indicates a growing corporate commitment to decarbonisation and a recognition of the economic opportunities presented by the green transition. 

Businesses Leading On Policy Engagement

However, this positive trend among individual companies contrasts with the stance of industry associations. Only 12% of these associations are aligned or partially aligned with climate goals. This discrepancy suggests that while companies may publicly support climate initiatives, their collective representation through associations often lags, potentially due to internal disagreements or strategic lobbying approaches. 

The meat and dairy sectors exemplify this divergence. InfluenceMap's analysis reveals that industry associations like COPA-COGECA and the European Livestock and Meat Trades Union have been particularly active in opposing EU climate policies aimed at reducing agricultural emissions and promoting sustainable diets. These associations often employ narratives emphasising the societal importance of livestock and downplaying its environmental impact, tactics reminiscent of those used by the fossil fuel industry.

Political dynamics further complicate the climate policy landscape. The 2024 European Parliament elections saw a shift towards right-wing parties, raising concerns about the future of ambitious EU climate policies. While existing measures like renewable energy targets and carbon pricing are expected to remain due to their legal foundations, the approval of new climate initiatives may face increased challenges. 

While individual European companies are increasingly advocating for climate action, the influence of industry associations and political shifts present ongoing challenges to achieving comprehensive climate policy alignment. The path forward will require navigating these complexities to ensure that both corporate and collective actions align with the EU's climate objectives.

Why This Discrepancy Between Businesses and Associations?

Several factors could be contributing to this divergence:

1. Representation of Diverse Interests: Industry associations often represent a broad spectrum of companies, including those less committed to climate action. As a result, these associations may adopt more conservative positions to accommodate all members, leading to slower alignment with climate goals.

2. Influence of Dominant Members: Within associations, larger or more influential companies can disproportionately shape policy positions. If these dominant members are less progressive on climate issues, they can hinder the association's overall alignment with climate objectives. 

3. Lack of Transparency and Accountability: Unlike individual companies, industry associations are not directly accountable to investors or the public, allowing them to operate with less scrutiny regarding their lobbying activities.

4. Strategic Use by Corporates: Some companies may use industry associations to lobby against climate policies indirectly, enabling them to publicly support climate goals while opposing specific regulations through these groups. 

   
   

Solutions to Bridge the Gap

Recognising this misalignment, some companies are taking steps to ensure their industry associations reflect their climate commitments. For instance, Unilever conducted a Climate Policy Engagement Review to assess and align its associations' positions with its own climate goals. 

Additionally, frameworks like the Global Standard for Responsible Climate Lobbying provide guidelines for companies to evaluate and influence their associations' climate policy stances.

Many associations, including those who are members to the Climate Action for Associations Collective, are also increasingly including net zero, sustainability and climate risks as rising priorities that need to be tackled to address their members' long-term interests, as part of their duty of care.

Last but not least, by using WBCSD's Playbook for mobilising trade associations (for companies) and by using Climate Action for Association's resources (for membership organisations), businesses and associations will be well equipped to foster climate-aligned policy engagement and to cultivate strong relationships built on shared interests.

Aligning Ambition with Influence

As Europe navigates the next phase of its climate transition, the role of corporate lobbying is coming into sharper focus. The growing alignment of individual companies with ambitious climate policy marks a critical shift — one that positions business not as a barrier, but as a catalyst for climate leadership. Yet, for this transformation to reach its full potential, industry associations must also evolve.

Bridging the gap between progressive corporate stances and more cautious collective representation is not just a matter of principle — it's a strategic necessity. In a world where policy, investment, and public sentiment are rapidly converging around the imperative of decarbonisation, misalignment within the corporate ecosystem creates reputational risk, policy inertia, and missed economic opportunity.

The tools, frameworks, and coalitions already exist to accelerate this alignment. What’s needed now is the resolve from both companies and associations to use them — to move beyond symbolic commitments and ensure that all voices speaking on behalf of business are truly working toward a net zero future. By doing so, Europe can continue to lead on climate — not only through regulation, but through a unified, credible, and forward-looking private sector.

If you're a membership organisation wishing to know more about what you can do to support your members with sustainability and addressing climate risks, you can join Climate Action for Associations here.