I digress … thoughts on fish & the environment
Back in 2019, newly elected President von der Leyen led the charge for the European Green Deal. Her first Work Programme promoted the agenda as a headline action. The President appointed a Commissioner with a track record of getting things done, Frans Timmermans, to lead the implementation. But contrary to the revisionists tendencies of some, … Read more
A rift on John W.Kingdon. Back in 2000, I stumbled on the writing of John W.Kingdon. It changed my life – for the better. Here was an academic that wrote clearly. More, he understood how policy making really worked. He provided a model that from my few years in EP and Commission made absolute sense. … Read more
Over the last 28 years, I’ve worked for both NGOs and industry as a political consultant (plus politicians and the Commission). I’ve been fortunate to work for some of the most effective lobbyists and campaigners that industry and NGOs had to offer. There were a number of qualities that mark out the most successful lobbyists … Read more
One of the joys of Brussels is that you will encounter self -proclaimed political saviours. There are some countries/MEPs whose support is a life line, and others whose vocal support will doom you to political oblivion. This post is about how to spot the second group. There is a strange tendency of many to embrace … Read more