Lobbying the EU Institutions : a practical guide

About me

● Working for OpenForum Europe ; speaking in my own name today

● Active in the PP-BE from 2012 to early 2013 – now mostly in the PP-FR

● Not an expert ! But I can share my own experience

Advocacy vs lobbying

● The tools are the same● Both are useful !

Politicians aren't (usually) evil, they're just clueless...

… and that's OK !

Copyright : Zack Weiner

A fundamental imbalance

But there is hope

It's all about credibility

● Rely on your strengths !– Speaking for the good guys

– Size matters

– Have any expertise ? It's all relative btw

● If you're in for the long haul, build relationships

Selling your message – general tips

● There's no shame !● Communication 101 applies● Understand before criticising● Adapt to your audience, give them what they

want● Social media● Build creative alliances

Getting started

● 1st be clear on your own objectives● Broadly understand the EU legislative process

and the role of the different actors● Timing is essential● Learn more about the item you're working on

http://parltrack.euwiki.org/

Connect & keep in touch

Who do I talk to ?

The European Parliament

● One of the most transparent institutions in the world

● Most of the work is done in the committees● The Greens and the Liberals tend to be more

sympathetic to Pirates' ideas, but their influence is limited

● Contact MEPs – it's their job to listen to you !

The European Commission

● Less politics, more expertise● Follow the agenda - e.g. In DG Connect

http://ec.europa.eu/digital-agenda/en/scoreboard

● Public Consultations are key

The Council

● Short answer : forget it● Long answer : influence at the national level

Forgetting anyone ?

● Don't bother with the EESC and the CoR● Lobby the lobbyists● The press is your ally

Current and upcoming debates

● Data protection● Net neutrality● Copyright● Mass surveillance● TTIP● And more...

Don't forget to have fun doing it

Questions ?

● Find me on Twitter @MaelB