FOREIGN COUNTRY LOBBYING AT EU LEVEL AND OUTSOURCING FOR RESULTS

Many foreign nations need to get a say at EU level and lobbyists can be helpful to countries that don’t have large embassies in particular. Smaller, poorer countries that have less European/International clout tend to be the ones most in need of external assistance in Brussels even if they are the nations that can least afford the expenditures. Larger countries may seek extra help in achieving objectives or to press their cases in ways that an embasy staffer or even the ambassador would shy away. Many developing countries that lack established operations and diplomatic finess frequently need help to get access to EU policy makers. While countries with large embassies have dedicated attachés and diplomats whose job is to specifically liaise with the EU authorities, some countries prefer to hire lobbyists away from the official diplomatic relationship run through their embassy. The value a lobbyist brings is unfiltered, undiplomatic communication i.e. saying things to EC officials or MEPs that an ambassador just couldn't do.   

Lobbyists can aid foreign countries by sidestepping the delicate world of diplomatic language and embassy protocol to get right to key EU decision makers. Furthermore lobbyists can help embassies better engage with stakeholders and potentially reduce the need for diplomatic staff.  

Lobbyists  may engage in many types of promotional and policy related activities, such as information gathering, monitoring of issues, public relations, political analysis and policy formulation.

Types of Activities and Deliverables

Activities aim to advocate for the interests of a country to the EU through meetings with European Commission officials, Members of the European Parliament, scholars, policy makers, and other relevant individuals and organisations. Activities may also include speaking engagements hosted by MEPs, academic institutions and other organisations, as well as media appearances.

Tailored Education and Information Programme

• Development of a series of educational and informative materials about the country
• Focusing on relations with the EU, geopolitical issues, economics, policy-making, diplomacy and the role of media and NGOs.
• Education and communication programme to improve confidence among EU-based investment and influencer community
• Communication with EU officials regarding economic and trade interests for the country
• Laying the ground work to promote the country as a business and travel destination

EU Network and Action Programme

• Creation of a network map to identify significant figures engaged or interested in the country today in the EU as well as key officials who may have a bearing on policies affecting the interests of the country.
• Mapping of critical figures (and their involvement with the country) among policy makers, governments, media, think tanks, academics, journalists, private sector companies. Such a map highlights the relevant audiences that need to be approached with specific and appropriate messages to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the country
• Enabling access and contacts and maintaining working relations with key EU targets identified (MEPs and their staff, EC officials)
• Organizing meetings with EU officials

Written Materials

• Identification of the relevant EU publications that target the specific audiences of interest identified in the network map.
• Provision of operational support for publication of positive articles about the country
• Identification and encouraging journalists, academics and contemporary thinkers who have an interest in publishing papers and articles about the country.
• Identification and arranging contact or visits of journalists who wish to conduct interviews or ‘question and answer’ pieces for publication
• Preparation and dissemination of letters, memoranda, lectures and speeches to public officials
• Developing briefing materials for the country’s representatives ahead of meetings

Activities are flexible and are only provided as an illustration of what we can deliver. The outputs of each of the components outline above inform the next action steps. The success and effectiveness of the programme is continuously assessed and adjusted as appropriate.   

Note: AALEP Chairman has extensive experience in lobbying activities on behalf of foreign nations both in Washington DC and in Brussels.