Brexit: Corporate Power Undone?

Abstract

This chapter looks at corporate power from a Brexit lens. It covers, firstly, the likely effects of leaving the EU for future chemical, waste and energy efficiency policies and, secondly, the consequences for the energy sector. It appears that in these areas of regulation, UK-based business, rather than embracing the opportunity to do away with Brussels red tape, wants to safeguard the status quo. Eckert argues that most of the industry branches can be expected to lose out in their power to shape regulation. The EU could, for instance, deny access to its databases and standardisation bodies in chemical and environmental regulation. She anticipates, however, a different pattern for energy where the relative influence of domestic TSOs, participating in technically driven cross-border cooperation, will increase.