Question

Explain the strategic difference between short-term and long-term lobbying in the EU. What are the key institutions to approach for efficient EU lobbying?

150 words

Answer 1

Long term contact to legislators is build up over time through informal lobbying. Both formal and informal lobbying is important for being influential. Formal lobbying also can be called as short term lobbying is lobbying that takes place in specific dossiers when amendments and position papers are commited to MEPs. The purpose of informal lobbying or long term lobbying is to build up a trustworthy reputation in the EU and nurture key contracts, so interest groups have a network to draw on when lobbying on specific dossiers. There are several ways in which interest representives can establish trustworthy relations with EU decision makers. Having a prescence in Brussels is a key to establish effective informal meetings with important decision makers and by being well informed to allow for an interesting exchange of views. Lobbying in Brussels is very much insider's game.

Important differences between Short term and Long term lobbying

Short Term Lobbying

• Position papers
• Amendements
• Parlimentary questions
• Own-initiative reports

Long Term lobbying

• Frequent contract
• Establish yourself as credible player and as an important informational source
• Share your inter institutional information
• Engage yourself in intergroups

A key finding is that industry and NGOs are regarded as being equally competent at lobbying. There are, however, some small differences of opinion between the institutions on the comparative effectiveness of industry and NGO lobbying. While the Parliament and Commission rate NGO lobbying marginally more effective than industry’s, Council officials believe industry is slightly more effective.

Key institutions of efficient EU lobbying

• Be part of the thinking process
• Strategise - and move with history
• Think politically
• In Brussels, Europeanising the message is important, and frequently, it needs politicising too
• Recognise – and utilise – the imperfect communications which are endemic between and within EU institutions
• Be transparent
• Allies, partners and coalitions
• Recognise that “sound science”, on its own, is a poor lobbying message
• Understand the policy - process - strategy interconnection
• Empower Brussels’ advocates
• Recognise and respect Europe’s diversity in culture, language, and thought and where possible use it to your advantage
• Be creative

Hope this helps!