Lobbying in Europe, the Tango
by Adrian Pepper, Managing Director of Pepper Media
Lobbying has a chequered reputation in some countries, but legislators in Brussels today work closely with lobbyists.
Legislators rely upon industry representatives, associations, NGOs, and law and lobbying firms to provide detailed information and advice on the practical, technical social and economic effects of proposed new measures.
And the sheer volume of legislation coming out of Brussels makes lobbying a necessity for businesspeople, who need to keep a watchful eye on new laws and occasionally have their say.
Any businessperson considering a lobbying campaign should first ask what it is that the EU can do for their business and make an assessment of the risk of doing nothing. If the threat or opportunity is going to have a material impact, it is well worth participating in the consultative exercises that the European institutions undertake.
European law-making is a slow process but still too many businesses still leave it too late to put their point of view, and many lose interest along the way. Having a clear and realistic view of what you want to get out of any lobbying exercise is critical, as it will determine the shape of your campaign plan and the time and resources you put into it.
If you have heard about an EU proposal and simply need to know more, go onto the European Commission website first. The Commission is the permanent civil service of Brussels and it is the only body that can initiate legislation in the Community. You could also contact your trade association which will probably have some form of representation in Brussels, and your local MEPs who can provide information, a viewpoint, guidance and assistance.
The other representative of your interests is our national Government, which votes through legislation in the Council of Ministers. By making your information and views clear to officials in the Government department in Whitehall, they will be in a better position to advise the UK’s permanent representation in Brussels on its negotiations with representatives from other Member States.
If your issue is one that affects your industry across Europe, you may want to establish a pan-European network or association, which can carry more weight with Commission officials in a Europe of 27 Member States.
Successful engagement with EU officials and politicians results from being able to articulate your case persuasively in writing, and occasionally in person, explaining how your case serves the public interest and not just your private interests.
If you find yourself doing too much heavy lifting, try contacting a political consultant with a successful track record of dealing with the European institutions. A good consultant will unearth relevant information quicker than you, give you an idea of timescale, frame your key arguments and messages, identify the key decision-takers and potential allies, and recommend a strategy for engaging with them.
Ultimately, you are the expert on your own business, and it is down to you to make the judgement of how you can best take advantage of - or protective action from - the 5,700 EU regulations and 1,800 directives that form part of European law. Whatever, you decide, do not bury your head in the sand; like it or not, we are governed today as much by the EU as by the nation state, and not even another Irish rejection of the constitutional Treaty of Lisbon is going to stop that.
Adrian Pepper is Managing Director of Pepper Media, a political consultancy operating in London and Brussels.For more information: www.peppermedia.co.uk
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