WHAT IS POLITICAL ADVOCACY?

Political advocacy is the range of tools that enable a company, a business association or an NGO to participate in the EU policy-making of the Institutions.

EU community decision-making is a complex system involving the national capitals, the European Commission and the European Parliament. Of course public opinion and the media also play a role in the system, owing to the NGOs and citizens or consumer associations.

Political advocacy is about

• Thinking politically
• Communicating with clear and short messages
• Taking part in debates and platforms
• Being knowledgeable about positions
• Contacting in due course key officials and MEPs
• Playing with national positions
• Positioning you as a constructive and transparent partner with the EU Institutions
• Presenting facts, reasoning, participating in the policy thinking rather than exerting pressure
• Supporting one of the policy options on the table
• Favouring compromise
• Parliamentary Relations