Transcript Lobbying the EU institutions: Why and how?

Lobbying the EU institutions: Why
and how?
Benefits of EU networking
Riga, Thursday 20th April 2006
Lara Garrido-Herrero
EPHA – European Public Health Alliance
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European Public Health Alliance
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A network of more that 100 non
governmental and not-for-profit organisations
across Europe working on public health
issues
Our mission is to improve the health of all
people living in Europe and to increase their
participation in EU policy-making
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The EPHA team
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The role of the NGO sector
 Monitor, analyse and inform
 Raise awareness
 Engage and consult
 Challenge
 Empower
 Represent
 Follow-up
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The role of NGOs in Brussels
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Many EU policies have an impact – direct or
indirect – on the health of EU citizens
15,000 to 20,000 lobbyists in Brussels and ONLY
10% are NGOs representing citizens’ interests
What is the difference between NGOs and
lobbyists?
Networking and alliances are the ONLY way to
make our voice heard - You are unlikely to
succeed alone. Use other NGOs resources
rather than “re-invent the wheel” on your own.
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EU networking: a SWOT analysis
EPHA Presentation
EU networking: a SWOT analysis
Strengths:
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Recognition, credibility
Influence
Independence
Cost reduction
Expertise
EPHA Presentation
EU networking: a SWOT analysis
Weaknesses:
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Diversity of interests which might
sometimes compete
Lowest common denominator
Communication problems
Poor quality of outcomes
Possibility of one organisation dominating
the others
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EU networking: a SWOT analysis
Opportunities:
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Mutual learning
Creation of consensus
Learn how to negotiate
EPHA Presentation
EU networking: a SWOT analysis
Threats:
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Passive participation of some members
Poor communication
Bureaucracy
Lack of transparency
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Take home messages:
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There are many different types of networks
Networks are popular as they provide more
benefits than difficulties
Networking is about time and commitment
Networking is an additional layer, it does
not substitute your work
Networking is a conscious, rational
decision your organisation has to take
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European Public Health Alliance
39-41 Rue d´Arlon
B-1000 Brussels
Belgium
Tel : +32-2 233 38 88
Fax : +32-2 233 38 80
[email protected]
www.epha.org
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