Unions and others expose lobbying of private water company to influence EU policy

A private water company Spanish Agbar, part of the Suez Environment group, has approached European policy makers and others and invited them to participate in a study tour.

The company wants to discuss the Blueprint for Water of the European Commission. The company indicates that it is willing to pay travel and accommodation. Several Spanish organisations and including EPSU affiliates have expressed their concerns to MEPs. They draw attention to the other side of the company: several court cases over illegal awarding of concessions, investigations over corruption, use of public funds for investment rather than own funds, corporate dominance of water services by the private companies and over-use of water resources. EPSU works with the European Water Movement.