This paper analyses the content of the messages interest organizations voice when aiming to influence EU legislative processes. The message is a crucial element in the lobbying communication process as it carries the information and arguments interest groups use to influence policymaking decisions. So far, the content of lobbying messages have remained under-researched and is often conceived as a function of the constituency groups represent. This paper argues interest organizations strategically adjust their messages depending on the targeted policymakers and the communication channel employed. The empirical analysis draws from an extensive content analysis of groups’ public statements on 125 EU-legislative proposals in five media outlets and interviews with 120 interest organizations. The findings suggest that the type of information and arguments groups convey is not so much explained by interest group type, but largely a function of the targeted policy institution and whether the message is voiced in a public venue or not.
