learning and development - consultancy - research EIPA 2010 © Advocacy in the EU How Environment NGOs Work Dr Alan Hardacre Belgrade, 2 November 2010

EIPA ©

© Structure 1.Advocacy in Brussels – How it Works 2.Specifics of advocacy for NGOs in Brussels

EIPA © 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 will find a representative promoting it in Brussels...

EIPA © Why Lobby in Brussels?  Increasing % legislation from Brussels (70%+)  there is virtually no policy area which is not directly or indirectly 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

EIPA ©  Business associations  NGOs  Companies  Lawfirms  Consultancy firms  Regional bodies  Press stakeholders involved in the EU decision-making process Fragmented Reactive No dialogue Poor Communication Who lobbies in Brussels

EIPA © Huge power Technicians European Proactive officials stakeholders Fragmented Reactive No dialogue No communication Officials and stakeholders do not speak the same language Brussels Lobbying Environment

EIPA © 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

EIPA © Prepare your case Map out the battleground Defend your positions Influence Intelligence in 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

EIPA © Lobbying as a Process – Step 1 Decision to Act [Reactive/Proactive] Define Position [Promote/Modify/Block] Devise Argumentation [Shared Goals/Economic/ Feasibility/Fairness/ Constituency]

EIPA © Lobbying as a Process – Step 2 Select Lobbying Targets [Decision-Making] Approach Friendly/Undecided or Opposition Tactics Selection [Inside or Outside Lobbying]

EIPA © Inside or Outside Lobbying  Face to Face Meetings  ing, Letters, Position Papers  Drafting Amendments  Consultations  Open Hearings  Events  Site Visits  Networking  Press Release  Press Conference  Issue Adverts  Letter Campaigns  Grassroots mobilisation  Demonstrations InsideOutside

EIPA © Lobbying as a Process – Step 3 Network and Coalitions [Formally or informally] Implement Strategy [Timeline – Dynamic Process] Evaluate Success [Very difficult evaluation]

EIPA ©  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

EIPA © 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

EIPA ©  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

EIPA ©  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

EIPA © 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

EIPA © 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

EIPA © Brussels Good Practice

EIPA © 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?

EIPA © 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

EIPA © Many thanks for your attention. Do You Have Any Questions?