I digress … thoughts on fish & the environment
The first law of lobbying is to turn up. I’ve randomly looked at three legislative files I know a little about to see if the people interested in an issue are turning up. I’ve done this by looking at: Have Your Say Public Consultation Responses The EP’s Transparency Statements And Rapporteur’s statements of whom they … Read more
A good way to see if your message will land is to say it aloud in public. If people visibly grimace, you’ll know you are not on to a winner. Try it out with different political groups and different Commission departments. Former MEPs and Officials are a good test group. A good test is is on … Read more
Occasionally, you’ll face a proposal that is away with the fairies. It is the sort of proposal designed to solve a non-problem or a proposal whose intended and non-intended consequences will be detrimental to the interests that the author intends to solve. Wherever ambitious politicians or civil servants exist, there is always the risk of … Read more
Here is my checklist for what I believe are the core rules for good lobbying. If you have others please send them in. Step in early. Have existing and long-standing relationships with the key players in an area, both in Brussels and in the Member States. Make sure you don’t turn up for the first … Read more