AALEP PLEDGES TO MAKE 2014 THE YEAR FOR PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCACY IN EUROPE

2014 will be a pivotal year in the European Union’s history with the European Parliament elections along with the subsequent appointment of a new President of the European Parliament, the choice of the new President of the European Commission and the subsequent appointment of new commissioners including a new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the nomination by the Member States of a new President of the European Council.

As a result Public Policy Advocates will need to adapt to the major changes taking place in the EU political landscape and deal with new elected and appointed officials following a new Agenda.

Here are the most important aspects that support the rationale for the Year for Public Policy Advocacy

• Vibrant communication and public debate, close interaction and engagement between any government and citizens are central to a well-functioning democracy. Structured and inclusive consultation, open and honest dialogue and positive and constructive relations with all stakeholders and interests are vital to support informed and evidence-based decision making.
• Policy formulation and development process benefits from full information and all individuals, groups and interests in society have an opportunity to contribute to it. It also supports the political process in finding a balance between competing interests, in fostering consensus and in helping to guide and educate political debate.
• Interest groups, representative bodies, industry and civil society organisations, NGOs, charities and third party Public Policy Advocates all provide crucial input and feedback to the political and public administration systems through communication of the views and concerns of the public to any national or supranational government e.g. EU institutions.
• Public Policy Advocacy activity forms an important element of the democratic process and provides a national or supranational government and decision makers with an understanding of how prospective decisions may affect both individuals and organisations. It leads to greater openness and transparency on public policy formulation and provides valuable input to the decision making process.

By launching the Year of Public Policy Advocacy in Europe in 2014, we plan to raise awareness, educate, change the way Europeans think about Public Policy Advocacy and make a significant impact by challenging current perceptions.

We’re currently seeking the support of all concerned organisations. In order to ensure this campaign has the impact it deserves we need the support of national lobbyists’ associations in the Member States, as well as interest groups, representative bodies, industry and civil society organisations, NGOs etc. and the moral endorsement of the European Commission, European Parliament and EU Member States.

We’re also currently seeking the support of known personalities who will become Ambassadors for the Year of Public Policy Advocacy in Europe. This will ensure we have a prominent and respected ‘voice’ enabling us to interact and resonate with European society as a whole.

We have started the reflection about the actual activities of the Year of Public Policy Advocacy in Europe, which will be carried out and gain importance in the following months and in 2014. Here are some of the issues we would like to focus on:

• Triggering discussion and debate about Public Policy Advocacy’s existing legislation and other tools,
• Mapping and disseminating good practices in Public Policy Advocacy in the different EU Member States,
• Assessing and promoting comprehensive public policy policies and their subsequent implementation,
• Addressing the issues of careers in public policy advocacy as well as volunteer activities.

AALEP will now officially start towards delivering a Year of Public Policy Advocacy in Europe in 2014 with its committed partners and you will hear much more over the coming months as our plans are further developed..