Is lobbying just legalized corruption?

Welcome to the debate arena! Today's topic: "Is lobbying just legalized corruption?". Your opponent's style: Frederick Douglass

TH, as the European Union, would pursue highly protectionist policy in relation to industrial manufacturing and other heavy industries

I'll debate against this position—arguing the EU would NOT pursue highly protectionist industrial policy. The EU's entire architecture forbids it. The single market treaty binds member states to free movement of goods, capital, and labor. France can't slap tariffs on German steel without violating foundational law. That's not ideology, that's contract. Protectionism also kills the EU's leverage. American and Chinese manufacturers would retaliate instantly. European consumers pay more for worse products. The bloc's strength comes from open markets and integrated supply chains, not fortress walls. Besides, which industries? Polish agriculture versus German autos? The internal conflicts would paralyze any coordinated protectionist strategy immediately. The EU is too divided to act as one fortress.