learning and development - consultancy - research EIPA 2010©
Advocacy in the EUHow Environment NGOs Work
Dr Alan HardacreBelgrade, 2 November 2010
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EIPA 2010 - www.eipa.eu
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Structure
1. Advocacy in Brussels – How it Works2. Specifics of advocacy for NGOs in Brussels
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Lobbying – A Growth Industry
Rond Point Schuman centre of Brussels Lobbying Interest
If you can think of an interest, an issue, an industry then you willfind a representative promoting it in Brussels...
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Why Lobby in Brussels?
Increasing % legislation from Brussels (70%+) there is virtually no policy area which is not directly orindirectly affected by decisions taken collectively in Brussels Costs and benefits of regulation fall upon virtually every sector
and issue, as EU competencies expand Something for all in consensus-oriented system In response to actions by other interests European Commission, Parliament and Council depend on
lobbying easy access
Successful lobbying to modify EU legislation is a competitive environment
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Business associations 6.000
NGOs 4.000
Companies 2.000
Lawfirms 2.500
Consultancy firms 1.500
Regional bodies 3.000
Press 1.000
20.000 stakeholders involved in the EU decision-making
process
Fragmented
Reactive No dialogue
Poor Communication
Who lobbies in Brussels
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Huge power Technicians European Proactive45.000 officials
20.000 stakeholders
Fragmented Reactive No dialogue No communication
Officials and stakeholders do not speak the same language
Brussels Lobbying Environment
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What is Advocacy?
Obtain a gain or avoid a loss
WHO?
WHY?
Advocacy is a communication technique...
...that aims to influence
Initiator Recipient
Public Authorities/Regulators
HOW? Advocacy Tools
Message
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2
3
Prepare your case
Map out the battleground
Defend your positions
Influence
Intelligencein lobbying
Prepare your case- Get informed- Promote an editorial policy- Defend your interests- Set up a project team- Prepare your arguments
Battleground- Mapping - Main divisions- Priority targets - Tactics
Defend your positions- Interests, positions- Factors of influence- Lobbying vehicles
Methodology
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Lobbying as a Process – Step 1
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Lobbying as a Process – Step 2
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Inside or Outside Lobbying
Face to Face Meetings E-Mailing, Letters, Position
Papers Drafting Amendments Consultations Open Hearings Events Site Visits Networking
Press Release Press Conference Issue Adverts Letter Campaigns Grassroots mobilisation Demonstrations
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Lobbying as a Process – Step 3
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Monitoring & Political Intelligence Development of argumentation: position papers, briefs Stakeholder Analysis: perception audits Meetings programme - identification of allies & foes Regulatory audits Third Party Advocates Building coalitions (ad-hoc/single issue/formal) PR 4 PA - using the media to get your message
across/advertorials Platforms - seminars/conferences Proposing legislative amendments etc.
The Actions
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The Tools and Instruments
Stakeholder analysis
Issue management system
Position Papers and Executive Summaries
Letters
Amendments
Seminars
One-to-one meetings
Press releases / responses
Websites
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Early involvement: 80% of a Commission proposal remains in the final act.
Offer technical advice and expertise. You may know more about an issue than the official in charge - your advice could be invaluable.
But remember to carry out a twofold communication, covering the Political (Commissioners’ Cabinets) as well as the Technical.
Influence through other means - alliances with other companies, trade associations, NGOs, press, etc.
The Commission prefers European issues – make your issue European and offer solutions
Maintain contacts with Commission throughout decision-making process in other Institutions, given the Commission’s role as “technical advisor” and facilitator during the discussions between the EP and Council.
The Commission is pivotal in implementation – they oversee everything
Lobbying the Commission
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Working Group level: identify and build a relationship with relevant attachés involved in key dossiers at the Brussels-level. Can provide a good source of information on timetables and the progress of legislative proposals.
COREPER level: the work of the Council is prepared or co-ordinated by the Committee of Permanent Representatives, made up of Permanent Representatives of the MSs and their Deputies. Maintain contacts to keep them aware of important dossiers or critical issues.
The Presidency - build important contacts with the relevant Presidency staff – know the agenda
Manage co-ordinated action at the national level, targeting experts in the Ministries in tandem with an EU-level campaign
Understand the national political agenda and political colour of the MS delegation - what are the pressing issues at the national level that could influence a MS’ position at the EU-level?
Similarly, coalitions between MSs united on a given issue should be identified
Lobbying the Council
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Lobbying the Parliament
Targeting key MEPs: typically 10 to 30 MEPs lead the amendment of proposals. Likely to be more than 1 Committee, i.e. lead Committee + opinion-giving Committee (s)
Provide positive political/emotional arguments, support with facts Capacity for timely and quick input Understand regional and political agendas beyond parties Providing relevant, credible and concise information MEPs are accessible MEPs are receptive to good lobbying Natural allies will be the Green Group and the Environment
Committee – establish contact as soon as possible
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• Prioritise where to lobby – can not lobby everything/one
• Keeping abreast of political environment (competitors)
• Getting quality input tailor-made for audience
• Ensuring responses to consultations, representation at hearings
• Following up consultations with high-level meetings
• Adapting messages to audiences in most suitable manner
• Managing to create and coordinate networks of contacts
Challenges of Lobbying the Institutions
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Brussels Good Practice
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NGOs and Lobbying in Brussels
• Non profit organizations• Public interest• Aims• Counter power to Business• Same lobbying methods + a few more• Not the same resources…
• Working with NGOs is important: they are the voice of civil society• NGOs have field information and impact assessment capacities• They have access to national and/or European level• Parliaments are natural allies of NGOs• NGOs are legitimate actors and have a lot to offer
Who is your European Association?
How can you interact with them?
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Specific Issues for NGOs
• Having an integrated approach and a good lobbying strategy• Providing technical, emotional and political arguments• Speaking with one voice and have ‘multipliers’• Fostering alliances with other sectors and parts of the world• Gaining the sympathy of stakeholders and their electors • Mobilizing media and public opinion• Using social media and the press
• Stakeholders analysis• Identification of opponents• Assessing other lobby campaigns• Reaching a strong consensus amongst heterogeneous NGOs• Providing case studies and analysis for all policies • Reaching non-environment stakeholders• Securing enough funding for advocacy / political work
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Many thanks for your attention.
Do You Have Any Questions?