While the Council framework is a significant factor influencing the daily work of Member States’ bilateral embassies in the EU, there are issues and policies where bilateral embassies act as an important interlocutor for domestic line ministries seeking input and information from counterparts in other Member State governments. Indeed, it is only the embassy on the spot that can deliver a broad overall assessment of the pattern of relations between a country and the host EU state.

The Mission of Norway to the European Union represents the Norwegian government on all EU-related issues. With a staff of about 50 people, most of whom are seconded to the Mission by different ministries in Oslo, the Mission maintains and develops co-operative relations between Norway and the EU.

The role of the Mission is

The task of directing a Foreign Mission’s communications programme and public policy efforts is usually entrusted to the Public Affairs Office. The section informs and engages European audiences in discussions about the country’s policies, society, and cooperation with the EU on a global agenda.

Public diplomacy is an evolving concept. However, in simplest terms it is understood to be the effort by the government of one country to influence the public or elite opinion of another country for the purpose of turning the policy of the target nation to its advantage. Public diplomacy is work or activities undertaken to understand, engage and inform individuals and organisations in other countries in order to shape their perceptions in ways that will promote a country’s foreign policy goals.

Austria

• Australian Mission and Permanent Mission to the UN, Vienna
• Austrade Office in Frankfurt, Germany
• Australian Tourism Office in Frankfurt, Germany

Belgium

• Australian Embassy to Belgium, Luxembourg, the European Union, and NATO
• Austrade Office in Paris, France
• Australian Tourism Office in London, UK

Bulgaria

The Serbian Institute for Public Diplomacy strategically synthesises public diplomacy and nation branding and founders include branding, public relations and international relations experts. It is not situated in Serbia but in Brussels.

The Serbian Institute for Public Diplomacy is a non-profit organization actively focused on the relations between Serbia and the European Union. The Institute is one of the most dynamic promoters of Serbia at the European level. The objectives of the institute are:

Here below are the most essential elements that may be included in the regulation of lobbying:

Definition of Lobbying/Lobbyists: In all cases when lobbying is directly regulated ,the acts of legislation should either provide a general definition of lobbying/lobbyists, or state specifically to what persons it refers. Usually, such definitions included in the laws do not cover all the lobbyists, but only certain categories, for example, those who engage in lobbying on behalf of a client for remuneration.

The primary means of influencing public policy is direct interaction with decision-mak­ers, allies and other key players. This may include participation in negotiations or meetings, direct com­munications with government ministers, or informal discussions with partners and other contacts. Teams work to influence through persuasion, negotia­tion and lobbying. In more formal spaces this may be conducted through evidence-based dialogue, while in other channels this will require more informal discus­sions and debate.

Monitoring and evaluation is a time to step back, assess the progress and performance of the campaign, and make any changes necessary. It is an opportunity to take a candid look at both success and failures, try to understand what led to them and what changes need to be made.