Apple Now Spends Over $8 Million Lobbying the EU Annually

Apple significantly increased its lobbying spending in the EU in 2025, reaching approximately €7 million annually. This places Apple among the top ten tech-sector lobbyists in Europe. These ten companies collectively spent €49 million on lobbying efforts aimed at influencing European regulations. Apple's expenditure has nearly doubled since 2021, when it was between €3.5 million and €3.75 million per year. This surge is attributed to the EU's intensified regulatory activity concerning major American tech firms. Key areas of regulation include the Digital Markets Act, Digital Services Act, AI Act, and GDPR. Apple engaged in 29 formal meetings with high-level European Commission officials in early 2025, with artificial intelligence being the most frequent discussion topic. The company also participated in 47 of the 232 meetings held between MEPs and the five largest U.S. tech firms. A substantial portion of Apple's lobbying expenditure, €2.3 million, was allocated to consultancy contracts. This increased spending coincides with the EU's tightening digital rules, directly impacting Apple and its products.