How should you lobby? No magical answer, I’m afraid.
The “How?” is probably the most complex question to answer. It’s about taking into account so many things that the average human being’s head would start spinning…but not a lobbyist!
Lobbyists (and their “lobby targets”) thrive on playing complex chess parties that would make Kasparov puzzled!
This section tries to outline some of the intricacies of the lobbying art (or game, depending on your sense of humour), namely:
- The Basics of the EU
- The Multiple dimensions of the EU
- The Rules of the Jungle, or the Do’s and Don’ts of the EU lobbyist
The Basics of the EU
The 3 Pillars
The expression “the 3 pillars of the European Union” is used to illustrate how the various forms of cooperation are built up within the EU depending on which policy area and which part of the treaty provisions is involved.
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EU Treaties and Institutional Reforms
The basic legal texts on which the European Union and the European Communities are founded: the founding Treaties, the amending Treaties, and the Accession Treaties for each of the six enlargements, plus other essential documents. It also looks at the reforms that have taken place over time.
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The Multiple dimensions of EU Lobbying
Political dimension
The political dimension is obviously critical in understanding the European institutions. Everyone is aware of the weight of the political groups in the European Parliament and of the fact that the policies of Member States within the Council are obviously affected by the political colour of the national government.
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Member States’ dimension
MEPs and Council member have obvious ational ties, but so do Commissioners and even civil servants. Ignoring the “national” element is therefore not an option.
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Institutional dimension
There are obviously more than three institutions involved in the EU decision-making process but the European Commission, the Parliament and the Council do make up what is known as the “Decision-making Triangle”.
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The Rules of the Jungle
Who
First Rule: would you really try to climb a tree from the top?
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How
Second Rule: talk with two words, just like your mum taught you, and build at least one if not multiple strategies!
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When
Third Rule: on time and all the time.
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About what
Fourth Rule: too much is rarely a good thing.
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Where
Fifth Rule: never forget that in the jungle, animals meet by the drinking points
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