Lobbying the EU Institutions Building Natura 2000 in candidate countries and potential candidates: the role of civil society Brussels, 16 September 2010 Tony Long Director, WWF European Policy Office, Brussels

Why are NGOs in Brussels? The EU is the world’s largest economy, trading bloc and aid donor – and often supports NGOs financially The EU exerts massive presence in international negotiations and regulatory standard setting The EU has a treaty commitment to sustainable development 80% of domestic environmental legislation in the EU 27 originates from Brussels EU plays an increasing role on a worldwide agenda and needs to lead on changes in production and consumption Brussels is the world’s largest global media centre

WWF must work together with the National Organisations ! WWF has a valuable network of 17 offices across the EU We must resemble the institutions we are lobbying - saying the same thing to the same people at the same time across all Europe Parliamentarians and Ministers are national representatives - they listen to national organisations from their own countries with greater attention Lobbying is becoming more professional in Europe - those with European networks will be heard more clearly than national interests alone Combined and coordinated lobby from “home” and Brussels works best

Members of Green 10 Group WWF BirdLife International Climate Action Network Europe European Environmental Bureau Greenpeace European Public Health Alliance-Environment Network International Friends of Nature The European Federation for Transport & Environment Friends of the Earth Europe CEE Bankwatch Network

CIVIL SOCIETY CONTACT GROUP CSCG 2 representatives 1 representative as Observer 2 representatives 1 representative as Observer

NGO INVOLVEMENT IN THE POLICY CYCLE 1.Setting the agenda 2.Shaping Commission proposals before they emerge 3. Deep and rigorous involvement in the legislative process 4.Participation in the implementation arrangements for new legislation 5.Monitoring and enforcing legislation - the watchdog function

The Definitive Guide to Lobbying the European Institutions 1 The Definitive Guide to Lobbying the European Institutions Based on a survey of the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission Spring The Definitive Guide to Lobbying the European Institutions Based on a survey of the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission Spring 2005

Do we have the support of the Public for EU work? Source: Presentation by Mark Penn, PSB (Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates Inc.), , European Voice Conference

Recognition in EU, trusted brands Source: Edelman Study on Trust and Credibility, 2003

10 EFFECTIVENESS OF LOBBYING How would you rate the effectiveness of lobbying of the following organisations?

What Others Say - DG Research According to a recent survey, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are the most effective communicators to give depth to the debate between the EU and its citizens. They have become veritable lobbyists, capable of putting pressure on political authorities and company executives to achieve their objectives. When planet Sea is in danger, the most emblematic NGOs sound the alarm bell. December 2007

Public Affairs in Brussels 1. Know the Policy Cycle 2. Know what you want 3. Make Partnerships 4. Innovate in Communications 5. Political Influence and timing 6. Know who you are 7. Work your Network 8. Know the Opposition

Bremen May President Barroso visiting WWF Stand.

Three Commissioners at the opening of the new EPO Offices

Thank you © 2010, WWF. All photographs used in this presentation are copyright protected and courtesy of the WWF-Canon Global Photo Network and the respective photographers.