Lobbying Strategies - Hans Geeroms Flashcards
Stages/map of decision-making process
Intervention ‘top down’ vs. ‘bottom up’
‘top down’:
- based on power, hierarchy (political cloud, connections, …)
- note: officials hate to be pressured by politicians
‘bottom up’:
- based on technical expertise, via technocrats
- more pro-active
- less expensive
-> combining both approaches in good order and in good equilibrium
Four strategies of interaction
- Pro-active
- Reactive
- Defensive
- Negative
-> also: the more goals are in line with the common goals of the institutions, the more successful an initiative will be
Negative / defensive lobbying
- strategy of opposition, blocking, rejecting, delaying (more research needed, warning of job losses, “level the playing field”, “unfair” competition, industry needs time to adjust)
- without alternative
- > can only be used exceptionally, permanent use is doomed to fail
- > often to defend existing privileges, subsidies, protection, …
Reactive lobbying
- most common
- passive, waiting, static
- lack of anticipation, initiative
- strangely, many businessses finance this kind of lobbying
Pro-active lobbying
- anticipating
- based on a defined strategy
- pursuit of acceptable solutions
- can be friendly or hostile
- > requires credibility, transparency and building of alliances
- > by far the preferred option
Friendly pro-active lobbying
- mainly at prep-phase (Commission, standard-setting body)
- verify strategic options with Commissioner and/or senior administrators
- discuss details with draftsperson
Hostile pro-active lobbying
If friendly lobbying fails (lack of time, no prior information, no good results):
Turn proactive lobbying towards Council and European Parliament
Finance Watch Guest Lecture - overview of decision-making process with comments
- “Committee vote”: very important point to lobby (having voting list of MEPs is important, until plenary debate they can still be lobbied)
Intervention phases
- at proposal phase (European Council)
- at proposal phase (EC)
- at decision phase (Council, main capitals)
- at decision phase (EP)
- at implementation phase
Intervention at proposal level: European Council
- broad policy lines
- rarely relevant for the lobbyist, except for information
- learning the strategic options
Intervention at proposal phase (Commission)
Intervention at decision phase (Council)
- some Perm Reps have little influence and just take instructions from their Capitals
- Council Working Groups most important
- influence in Council differs tremendously
Intervention at decision phase (EP)
- lobby several MEPs (offer expertise)
- organise event at EP and invite one or more specialised MEPs
Intervention at implementation phase
EC has executive power (mainly trade and competition policy)
-> can sometimes be useful to lobby Standard Setting Bodies, too
