| Page 437 | Association of Accredited Public Policy Advocates to the European Union

NOT ONE BUT 28 LOBBYING CAPITALS

Submitted by christian on Fri, 09/06/2013 - 13:18

Although up to 80 percent of legislation in certain policy areas emanates from Brussels, and while many say that Brussels has gained parity with Washington DC as the 'lobbying capital of the world', there is not one lobbying capital within the EU but 28 lobbying capitals.

There is no efficient EU lobbying without lobbying at national level. Therefore, maintaining staff in major European capitals to try and influence national governments is of paramount importance.

PUBLIC RELATIONS: A NECESSARY TOOL IN PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCACY

Submitted by christian on Fri, 09/06/2013 - 10:58

Public relations should be an integral part of your public policy advocacy efforts. Advocacy is the act of speaking or writing in favor of an issue by providing recommendation and support. Public relations, on the other hand, are the activities that are designed to win the favor of the general public and promote a better understanding of policies and purposes. It involves disseminating information in print and non-print media.

WARNING: SHALE GAS MAY TRIGGER EARTHQUAKES

Submitted by christian on Thu, 09/05/2013 - 16:31

Research has linked an earthquake (magnitude 3.9) that struck near Youngstow in Ohio, USA on 31 December 2011 to the underground injection of wastewater from fracking.

The practice of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, involves injecting water, sand and other materials under high pressures into a well to fracture rock. This opens up fissures that help oil and natural gas flow out more freely. This process generates wastewater that is often pumped underground as well, in order to get rid of it.

THE SEAP IN PERSPECTIVE

Submitted by christian on Thu, 09/05/2013 - 12:01

The Society of European Public Affairs Professionals (SEAP) counts 299 individuals who are active as European Affairs practitioners in consultancies, law firms, trade associations and individual companies with representations in Brussels. The SEAP has also members from Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and think tanks and is open to representatives of the EU trade unions or any other orgaisations of interest representatives.

UNFAVORABLE VIEWS OF RUSSIA ARE GROWING

Submitted by christian on Thu, 09/05/2013 - 08:51

Around the world, negative opinions of Russia are more common than positive ones. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center conducted from March 2 to May 1, 2013, 39% among publics in 38 nations (excluding Russia) express an unfavorable view of Russia.

Here below are the results showing the percentage of UNFAVORABLE VIEWS about Russia held in EU countries:

TOP BRUSSELS BASED CONSULTANCIES

Submitted by christian on Wed, 09/04/2013 - 17:54

There are about 400 consultancy companies based in Brussels. The list here below shows the top firms among them that concentrate on Public Affairs , Public Relations, EU Project Management and Association Management. The list below(which is not exhaustive or authoritative) was published by EUObserver in October 2012 based on latest filings at the National Bank of Belgium and other national authorities. Figures in parenthesis show Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization

TOP 100 U.S. CORPORATIONS FOLLOWING EU POLICYMAKING

Submitted by christian on Wed, 09/04/2013 - 12:03

100 major U.S. corporations are following EU policymaking and developments. Many of them have a direct presence in Brussels and also belong to AmCham EU that speaks for American business in Europe. Through Amcham EU they have access to decision-makers and influencers in Brussels and throughout the EU. AmCham EU provides a network and the opportunity to share expertise with over 600 fellow business professionals. The organization has long been valued as an independent source of quality information and analysis.

POLISH INTEREST REPRESENTATION IN BRUSSELS

Submitted by christian on Tue, 09/03/2013 - 19:12

Although EU institutions and policies create additional opportunities for national interest groups to influence policy-making, not all domestic groups make use of the extended niche provided by the EU. Perceiving the EU solely in categories of ‘high politics’ and omitting or marginalising its ‘low politics’ dimension is the reason why the possibilities of co-shaping the European integration process through both European and national social organisations, interest groups, regional associations, think tanks, etc., are not sufficiently used in Poland.

INFLUENCE OF MEMBER STATES IN THE EU

Submitted by christian on Tue, 09/03/2013 - 16:38

A Member State is having influence in the EU when EU policy outcomes realize its interests and objectives. Each Member State’s stance towards the EU is intimately bound up with its wider view of the way it wishes to approach its international challenges and place in the world.

Apart from the politics of a Member State’s EU policy, a Member State also exercises influence in the EU by virtue of the quality of its personnel and administrative capacity.

ROMANIA NEEDS TO RECALIBRATE ITS EU MEMBERSHIP

Submitted by christian on Tue, 09/03/2013 - 14:46

Romania must go beyond being simply a member state to defending and exercising its rights and uphold its national interests in the European decision-making process.