Amazon is seeking to restore its lobbying privileges with the European Parliament, which were revoked earlier this year due to the company’s failure to cooperate with lawmakers. However, key Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have set strict conditions before they will consider allowing Amazon’s lobbyists back onto the Parliament premises.
According to sources familiar with the matter, MEPs from the Employment Committee (EMPL) have decided that Amazon must attend a formal hearing and arrange a visit to one of its European fulfillment centers before any access restrictions will be lifted. While discussions on restoring access took place today, sources have emphasized that the decision will not be automatic.
In the past, the EMPL committee invited Amazon twice during its previous five-year mandate to discuss working conditions in the company’s European operations. However, Amazon declined both invitations in May 2021 and January 2024. Furthermore, planned site visits to facilities in Poland and Germany in December 2023 were canceled, prompting lawmakers to withdraw the access badges of Amazon’s 14 lobbyists. This move was supported by over 30 trade unions across Europe.
On October 10, Amazon’s Director of EU Public Policy, James Waterworth, wrote to Li Andersson, chair of the EMPL, reiterating the company’s desire to engage with the committee and offering another invitation to visit Amazon’s facilities. An Amazon spokesperson added that the company hopes to resolve the concerns of MEPs and continue its long-standing engagement with the European Parliament.
“We aim to reassure both our customers and policymakers that we are committed to finding solutions and continuing constructive dialogue,” the spokesperson said. “It is our sincere hope to keep engaging proactively with MEPs, as we have done for over 25 years.”
Responding to the committee’s decision, Oliver Roethig, Regional Secretary for UNI Europa, praised the EU lawmakers for setting clear conditions for Amazon’s potential return. “It is essential that any dialogue includes workers’ representatives and trade unions to ensure a complete understanding of what’s happening in Amazon’s warehouses,” he said.
French MEP Leïla Chaibi, from The Left group, also reacted strongly to the news. “We have evidence that companies like Amazon, which flout the law and mistreat workers, only respond to sanctions,” she said. “I will remain vigilant and ensure that our questions are heard if and when Amazon finally agrees to appear before our committee. Any visit to their facilities will be on our terms, without their interference.”
