Negotiating a piece of EU legislation is not like haggling in a Turkish bazaar. If that’s your tactic your chance of getting what you want are off to a bad start. Too many think that works in getting a road project with a local mayor who is their second cousin will work when dealing with the Commission and a Rapporteur. I’ve seen it and the results are never pretty
First, you need to realise you are working with politicians and in a political process. They are going to close their ears if you start and end on principle and science alone. This is not the language of their world.
Second, few lobbyists have genuine real-world political experience. Few have tried to stand for elected office, canvassed in a general election, or worked for a politician. Those that have will have learned the real skills you need to succeed. Keeping the message simple, having evidence for what you are saying at hand, and telling your audience what they want to hear. Canvassing at election time on the doorsteps of supporters and opponents is great coaching.
Third, you need to come to the table with influence. If you don’t have influence with the politicians or officials, which is often the case, it is better to get someone who does to push your agenda for you, rather than you. If an influential politician or popular celebrity can front your case, so much the better. Being able to get the press to run with your version of events helps as well. Policymakers and politicians will listen to them willingly.
Fourth, you need to provide valuable information and solutions to your audience. You need to make their job easier. IF you bring jobs to their constituency great. If a trade union backs you and they are allied to the MEP better. If you can organise a site visit to a unionised site at election time, even better. If you just walk in and complain and talk in a language they don’t understand – science – you are going to see your audience shut down in front of you. Fortunately, in Europe, we don’t have the malign role of campaign finance.
Fith, you need to be ahead of the curve. You need to bring solutions, information, backing and votes early on. The longer a file goes on, the less the chance of getting what you want.
Finally, if you try and haggle, you are likely going to be ignored.
I couldn’t agree more with you Aaron that you need to speak the language of the politicians when dealing with them. But I also couldn’t help to notice that science is regarded more and more as witchcraft in Brussels – and that is concerning.