Driving into work I heard the phrase “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7.
This reminded me of a pleasant childhood being educated by progressive Roman Catholic De La Salle Brothers. More importantly, Paul the Apostle’s advice is good advice for anyone to follow, in particular for any sector impacted by legislation and regulation.
A lot of regulation is the consequence of events. Politicians and Regulators get frustrated by disasters, inaction and surprising events. Even if they can not take immediate action, they have at their disposal a toolbox that, over time, allows them to get much of what they wanted.
If you choose to deceive or mock governments, regulators and politicians with power you may not like the consequences. Brussels is littered with so many who seemed to go out their way to annoy governments and the Commission, both industry and NGOs, and thought they could get away with it. Most get locked out of any influence to walk the earth not even realizing they have no influence. This happens to big and small companies and NGOs.
Only a few recover, after repenting their sins, to be able to influence their future.
This has consequences. McKinsey reported in 2021 “Which of the following stakeholders do you expect will have the greatest effect on your company’s operating income in the next 3-5 years”
The likelihood is that over time, legislation and regulations to deal with political and regulatory concerns will be prepared, tabled and adopted. Preparing and passing legislation and regulation is not often a speedy process. When the machinery starts moving, change is likely.
Those who think that politicians and regulators can not act because the Treaty does not allow them to act often have a rude awakening. If there is political will, the Treaty and law can easily be bypassed. Wo betide those who believe this alone will hold back the tide. A good lobbyist will follow Paul the Apostle.