1. LOBBYING AT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVEL – AN INTEGRAL PART OF PRESENT-DAY SOCIAL DIALOGUE (topic for discussions) Kiril Zheliazkov, PhD Bulgarian Industrial Association 7 June 2012

2. Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA) - a nationally presented employers’ organization Represents over 250 regional and branch industrial organizations, universities, R&D bodies, over 20 000 Bulgarian and foreign companies including SMEs; Member of BUSINESSEUROPE; Through its structures, BIA plays a significant role as an institution in shaping policies; Conducts research and facilitates the development of modern environment fostering business policies for lobbying at a national and European level

3. Lobbying – part of the social dialogue Lobbying - “The act of attempting to influence the way policies are shaped and decisions are taken at national and European institutions” Lobbyists - “People who often visit the national parliaments and the EP in order to present information to the parliamentarians during their mandate and in their own interest or that of a third party”

4. The importance of lobbying to BIA and the new mechanisms Lobbying in the national and European parliaments is gaining greater significance; Lobbyists play a crucial role to foster an open and pluralistic social dialogue; There are about 15 000 lobbyists and 2 500 lobbying organizations in Brussels; A common register of lobbyists at the EU institutions is part of the European Transparency Initiative ; There are currently about 5 000 registered lobbyists in the EP.

5. Why lobbying actively and complying with the EU rules? Strategically defend Bulgarian and SEE employers’ interests related to performing arts at a European level; Overcoming the previous negative stereotypes in Brussels about Bulgaria and the other countries from the Balkan Peninsula.

6. PEARLE – a familiar organization within the lobbying community at the European parliament Closer cooperation with BIA and BAROK – cooperation with European and international lobbying organizations, communities and associations; Setting up virtual networks jointly with BIA and BAROK – a prerequisite for registered lobbyists to jointly discuss common interests and take decisions concerning mutual challenges;

7. PEARLE – a familiar organization within the lobbying community at the European parliament Conducting training schemes of BIA and BAROK experts – continuous learning offered to selected lobbyists in order to enhance their education and qualification for interacting with the EU institutions, exchanging information, know-how and good practices through discussions, surveys, research and publications, improving lobbying principles and mechanisms.

8. Dynamics in the lobbying paradigms The old model – Give something to our man! The new model – We proved that our man is the best and deserves to get something!

9. LOBBYING AT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVEL – AN INTEGRAL PART OF PRESENT-DAY SOCIAL DIALOGUE (topic for discussions) Kiril Jeliazkov, PhD Bulgarian Industrial Association 7 June 2012