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.

HOTREC is the umbrella association of national trade associations representing the hotels, restaurants, cafés and similar establishments in Europe. HOTREC therefore acts as the representative of the hospitality businesses vis-à-vis the EU institutions.

The main objectives of HOTREC are:

In countries without a Public Policy Advocacy culture, practitioners face major challenges in how to design and implement a Public Policy Advocacy function that enables them to monitor and manage the external environment that affects the business as well as to respond. The mere application of principles learned in one country or region elsewhere does not necessarily produce similar outcomes and sometimes can have disastrous consequences.

There is an increasing number of international assignments that require professionals who are skilled in global operations; yet according to a  recent survey carried out by a U.S. workforce solutions provider among 202 CEOs and senior HR professionals as many as two in five managers fail when they’re sent abroad. Only 58 percent of overseas assignments are judged successful. Given the investments being made in bringing along a new generation of leaders and their growing need to be able to think and operate globally, for 42 percent to fail when they’re sent abroad is hard to comprenhend.

The purpose our Public Policy Advocacy Snapshot Series is to provide a brief overview of European trade and professional associations and their conduct of public policy activities at the EU level. Typically we first introduce the association, we look at its organizational structure, in particular its membership and memberships categories e.g. Full Members, Corporate Members, National Associations, we list their priority fields in public policy advocacy and their cooperation with other related organizations.

The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) represents the interests of the fifteen European car, truck and bus manufacturers at EU level. Its membership consists of the major international automobile companies, working together in an active association to ensure effective communication and negotiation with legislative, commercial, technical, consumer, environmental and other interests. Technical expertise and advisory input comes from over twenty different working groups, made up of experts from the member companies.

Cosmetics Europe- the Personal Care Association is the voice of Europe’s cosmetic, toiletry and perfume industry. Members of Cosmetics Europe are divided into 5 categories: Active Corporate Members (ACM), Supporting Corporate Members (SCM), Active Association Members (AAM), Supporting Association Members (SAM) and Correspondent Members.

In an increasingly demanding and competitive world it is critical for business to understand and engage with both elected representatives and public officials in order to have effective input into shaping the regulatory environment in which private enterprises operate. Making the most of opportunities that stem from government policy, legislation, and regulation requires a comprehensive, proactive strategy. Well-informed and pro-active business leaders are the most effective advocates for steering their enterprise through the fast changing terrain of public policy development.

Civilized lobbying for Russians means any activity that excludes corruption. The Russian Economic News Agency Nezavisimaya Gazeta publishes regular surveys of the country’s most influential lobbyists.

Just now, almost anywhere with sand, surf, and sun is wildly overcrowded, overpolluted, and overpriced. After all, almost 80 million Europeans are on August vacation.

No wonder Europe is having a hard time competing with the rest of the world.  Working less and producing less surely must have something to do with Europe’s economic plight and the sad news that about 25 million Europeans now are more or less permanently on vacation.

Here below is the List of the Average Annual Hours actually worked per worker in the EU (OECD- 2012)