Good Practice

The European Commission runs many public consultations.  They give you a good chance to make your case in writing and influence policymaking. Here is a checklist that will make preparing your response easier and more persuasive. 1.    Prepare the evidence you need to support your case in advance. 2.    Prepare your submission in advance. The questions that … Read more

A lot of position papers are drafted in Brussels. Done well, they are one seful tool to make your case. Too often they serve the purpose of getting internal buy-in, more an acclamation of faith, than any sincere attempt to persuade decision-makers to back your case. If you want to draft persuasive position papers that … Read more

I’ve just re-watched an old Channel 4 documentary on how the first EU wide clean air law got through in 1997. The 3 episodes follow the adoption of  Directive 1999/30/EC. It still is the most realistic fly on the wall series I have watched on how EU law really is passed. I did not re-watch … Read more

There is one phrase that seems to guarantee most officials and many politicians eyes rolling and shut down any fruitful exchange. It is “if you do this, the economy will tank”, or a variation “we will close our operations and leave if you do this “. I’ve witnessed this line being used working for MEPs … Read more