The Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement establishes a political and economic association between the two parties. The parties commit to co-operate and converge economic policy, legislation, and regulation across a broad range of areas, including equal rights for workers, steps towards visa-free movement of people, the exchange of information and staff in the area of justice, the modernisation of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and access to the European Investment Bank and a variety of others.

ASPA is the representative body for the public affairs sector in Scotland. It was established in 1998 by public affairs and policy practitioners in Scotland to represent those working both in-house and consultancy. ASPA members comprise a wide range of organisations and abide by a code of conduct, which aims to reflect best practice and professional ethics.

DEFINITIONS OF LOBBYING

UNITED KINGDOM PUBLIC AFFAIRS COUNCIL (UKPAC)

Lobbying means, in a professional capacity, attempting to influence, or advising those who wish to influence, the UK Government, Parliament, the devolved legislatures or administrations, regional or local government or other public bodies on any matter within their competence.

ELECTORAL REFORM SOCIETY

The Contact Group functions as a facilitator and sounding board for DG Trade. Its task is to contribute to transparency in both directions, and to help with the circulation of information to the wider group of their constituencies. For this, it reviews compliance of the civil society dialogue process with the objectives of the Civil Society Dialogue and makes suggestions in this regard. It also proposes topics for discussion, and advises on organisational matters.

The recently enacted Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014 (“The Act”) is designed to give the public more confidence in the way third parties interact with the political system.

Part 1 of the Act provides for, amongst other things, a Statutory Register of Consultant Lobbyists on which those who undertake the business of consultant lobbying will be required to register and to disclose the names of their clients and declare whether or not they subscribe to a relevant code of conduct.

Sanctions have emerged as a favoured foreign policy tool of many international actors, including the European Union (EU), for coercing states to change problematic behaviour. Sometimes the lack of plausible alternatives makes sanctions an attractive option for policymakers. But sanctions are a policy instrument in themselves, with numerous advantages and disadvantages that must be considered before resorting to their use. The EU has used sanctions 33 times to-date to address a variety of issues.

Thought leadership means having a reputation in the market as an individual or firm with unique, innovative, and important ideas about the GR field , the forces shaping it, the challenges facing it, and the future awaiting it. As a GR Thought Leader, you or your firm will gain credibility in the market and become a trusted advisor and partner. Potential customers will gravitate toward your services. Journalists will seek you out for quotes. Analysts will call you. Industry websites will link to you.

When it comes to professional Government Relations services, four types of professionals can be distinguished:

The European Services Forum (ESF) represents the European services sectors' interests towards international stakeholders and decision makers.

Service Sectors include:

1. Jean-Claude Juncker, Luxembourg, EPP, President of the Commission: Secretariat General (SG), Legal Service (SJ), DG Communication (COMM), including the Spokesperson's Service (SPP), Bureau of European Policy Advisors (BEPA
2. Federica Mogherini, Italy, S&D, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President: European External Action Service, Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI)