EMU

by John Atkin

Published 6 July 1998
The appointment of a new team of European Commissioners - many new to their briefs and all keen to display a more listening attitude than their predecessors - is a golden opportunity for those with a message to deliver, be they from the private sector, trade associations, trade unions, local authorities, other public sector bodies, charities or other non-governmental organisations. But how to make the most of these opportunities? How to focus your energies on those parts of the system most likely to respond favourably? How to deal with so much change all at once? And, with the rapid growth of the lobbying industry in Brussels, how to make your voice heard amidst the rising clamour? This Report explains how policies are formulated and directives drafted, a process which is mysterious to most outside observers. It provides an authoritative and essential reference guide on how the European Union's Institutions work, how they interact with each other, and who, how and when to influence and get your message across.
It will help you to: assess the implications for you (and your organisation or clients) of the new balances of power, both between the different institutions and between the various political groups; communicate effectively with the Commission, the Parliament and their various representatives; and review your methods and resources to ensure that your message not only gets heard but also gets results. This Report gives in-depth and practical guidance to anyone involved with lobbying and those wanting well-directed, cost-effective and successful campaigns. In particular it will be invaluable to: government and regulatory affairs staff; public relations managers and directors; corporate and public affairs directors and managers; and anyone whose work is involved or influenced by any of the institutions involved.