A Short Guide to Public Affairs in Brussels

Lobbyists are often publicly discredited as being manipulative or dishonest – a negative connotation conjured up by some of the lobbyists themselves which may be the reason for doors being shut before you even have the chance to knock. 

Brussels: Lobbyists welcome! 

Not so in the Brussels village however. It seems lobbyist make up the second largest group of residents here (after politicians obviously). Depending on the definition, there are between six and fifteen thousand lobbyists and more than 2.500 lobbying organisations stationed in the EU's political capital.

Indeed, EU institutions seem to like being lobbied and they seek expert insight and knowledge for three main reasons. Firstly, officials need information, data and special insights. MEPs and EU Commissioners depend heavily on the (technical) expertise of others. Secondly, for reasons of legitimacy, EU officials have to ensure all voices and views are taken into account. Thirdly, EU officials need to gather support for their proposals at European and national levels and allowing organisations to lobby can create valuable buy-in. Plus, interest groups are the perfect platform for MEPs and Commissioners to establish their own ‘branding’. 

European Commission, main meeting room; Photo by JLogan via Wikimedia Commons

How to lobby in Brussels successfully

EU decision-making is an awfully complex, multi-level, and multi-actor process. Different EU institutions need different information, speak different ‘languages’, and have an ever changing pool of friends and contacts for intelligence gathering and campaigning. There are various ways of lobbying the different institutions (information, legitimacy, and support) and different points of access to the process. Moreover, there are certain methods and ‘codes of conduct’ you should keep in mind when making your way around the European capital:

		Networks and alliances are key. Join existing information networks and interest groups, or create new ones. Establish personal contacts and use your national European contacts - they are your best chance of getting your foot in the door.
		Support the cause. When approaching EU officials, make sure you highlight your commitment to the project of European integration and your interest in the wealth of all European citizens. Show the added value for European citizens of your position (or the negative consequences of competitors’ positions).
		Compromise. With 27 countries and multiplle institutions at the table, compromises are the rule of the game. Constructive criticism instead of pure opposition is the ‘EU way’.
		Be empathic. Brussels’ culture is one of a sympathetic political nature. There are 27 different cultures and languages and many different ways of communicating with and approaching different actors. Successful lobbyists need to cultivate political skills but also require a great deal of empathy and ‘Fingerspitzengefühl’, which is why in many cases women prove to be the better lobbyists ;).
		Be patient. Be prepared to play the waiting game. Give, don’t just take. You have to think not only one step but at least three steps ahead. EU politics is a long-term effort.
		Get in early. I know, this last one is quite obvious, but it won’t hurt to hear it again: The early bird catches the worm!

Everybody lobbies in one way or the other. It’s not a question of if but how. To succeed on the EU level you need to understand the complexity of the European political system, recognise the importance of its procedural opportunities and truly acknowedge the differences in language, nationality, and culture.