Lobbying

What I’d look for in a lobbyist

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Most people use a lobbyist late in the day. People will often step in too late. A week before the law is published in the Official Journal, or when the proposal is 3/4 through the legislative machinery of the EP and Council. A good lobbyist will give you a suitably grim and realistic prognosis.  I’ve … Read more

The case for taking a leaf out of Formula 1 when presenting Amendments

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I think it is common courtesy for MEPs/Member States to acknowledge the source of the inspiration behind amendments to Commission proposals.   It is a practice that MEPs I worked for were happy to practice. During a presentation to the ENVI Committee, it was simply good form to thank interests from industry, technical experts and … Read more

Keep in touch with the people making the decisions

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If you base your lobbying on speaking to a few people, you are in for a shock. I’ve just looked at the members of the ISSG over 2 years. At the service level, there has been over an 80% turnover. At the Cabinet level, it is around a 35% change. It is a helpful reminder … Read more

Why are most lobbyists not turning up?

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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