ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes how Dutch and Belgian domestic interest groups have coped with the increasingly de-bordered, multilevel political environment in Europe, and how this has affected domestic modes of interest representation. It examines whether interest groups have used additional access opportunities and re-oriented towards the European Union (EU). The chapter traces that organized interests displayed more EU-level activities, but this holds much more for business interest groups than for labor unions and non-governmental organisation (NGOs). It argues that the process of European economic integration has made business groups less strongly tied to domestic constituencies than labor unions. It is important to note that most interest groups in the Low Countries still prioritize the national level when it comes to their lobbying activities and influence attempts, even in sectors where the EU has a lot of competencies. The targeted EU-level venues are mostly tied to the domestic context, such as national members of the European Parliament and the national Permanent Representation.
