| Page 461 | Association of Accredited Public Policy Advocates to the European Union

PANEL DISCUSSION ON THE STRATEGIC RELATIONS BETWEEN THE EU AND RUSSIA

Submitted by christian on Wed, 04/24/2013 - 12:09

The Hanns Seidel Foundation is organizing a Panel Discussion in Brussels on 25 April on 'The Strategic Relations between the EU and Russia' with the participation of Dr. Angelika Schlunk (Director of the Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the European Union), Mr. Christian Forstner (Director of the Hanns Seidel Foundation in Brussels), Mr. Konstantin Kosachev (Chairman of the Federal Agency for the Relations with the CIS States, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the State Duma 2003-2011), Mr.

MACEDONIAN LOBBYING CENTRE

Submitted by christian on Tue, 04/23/2013 - 15:02

The Macedonian Lobbying Centre is part of the Macedonian Science Society. It is based in Bitola, a city in the southwestern part of the Republic of Macedonia in the region called Pelagonia. The Lobbying Centre is presided by Mr. Marjan Tanusevkski.

The Centre offers lobbying as an accredited subject, as part of higher education curricula, teaching to students so they will know how to lobby and respect the regulations in the process. Students are taught how to lobby in a transparent manner as well as how to become professional lobbyists some day.

LAUNCH OF A PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCACY TRAINING PROGRAMME IN ROMANIA

Submitted by christian on Mon, 04/22/2013 - 17:38

Although the components that define Public Policy Advocacy may be the same in most countries, how they impact policies may be quite different. Public Policy Advocates must begin with an understanding of the broader legal, economic and cultural environment in which government decisions are made as well as the evolution of the system.

THE FOUR PILLARS OF PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCACY

Submitted by christian on Mon, 04/22/2013 - 16:30

Successful policy influence hinges on four critical pillars, namely, the quality of strategy, the extent and functionality of networks, the level of political and legal sophistication, and the ability to leverage knowledge and information and communications technology (ICT)

1. The quality of strategic planning has a direct bearing on the success of public policy advocacy: Poor quality policy input often stems from a lack of a clear and coherent strategy. You won't be able to achieve desired outcome without adequate strategic planning.

CONSTRAINTS FOR EFFECTIVE PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCACY IN THE BALKANS

Submitted by christian on Fri, 04/19/2013 - 11:48

Most of the Balkan states are unicameral parliamentary democracies (except for BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA) in which the executive branch is democratically legitimised by and accountable to the legislature.

CHAIR OF AALEP INVITED AS GUEST SPEAKER IN SARAJEVO

Submitted by christian on Thu, 04/18/2013 - 16:20

The Chair of the Association of Accredited Public Policy Advocates (AALEP) has been invited by the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina as Guest Speaker at a seminar to be held on 8 May in Sarajevo.

EU-INDIA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT NEGOTIATIONS REGAIN MOMENTUM

Submitted by christian on Wed, 04/17/2013 - 14:19

Negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union and India have regained momentum after the visit of a high level Indian delegation on 15 April led by Commerce and Industry Minister, Anand Sharma. India and the EU began the FTA talks in 2007 and they are almost six years into the negotiations.

THE CHALLENGE OF REFORMS IN FRANCE

Submitted by christian on Tue, 04/16/2013 - 13:00

France faces worrying economic and social issues. The French welfare system no longer seems sustainable in the face of demographic pressure, mounting debt, and persistent unemployment.

HOW TO MAXIMIZE THE BENEFITS OF FTAs ?

Submitted by christian on Mon, 04/15/2013 - 18:57

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) have proved to be one of the best ways to open up foreign markets for exporters. FTA partner countries provide each other favorable treatment on trade, investment, provision of services and trade facilitation as well as economic and technical cooperation. Exporters benefit from FTAs through preferential treatment and market access. They also enjoy cost savings from elimination or reduction of customs duties and from mutual recognition agreements, trade facilitating customs procedures and removal of onerous regulations.

PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCATES AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST PREVENTION

Submitted by christian on Mon, 04/15/2013 - 13:58

Increasingly accountability and ethics are at the centre of governing agenda. Governments want to uphold the public trust to the highest standard and this responsibility falls uniquely on all public office holders. Conflict of interest law and post-employment code for public office holders is a critical component of accountable government.