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Benefits of EU networking Riga, Thursday 20 th April 2006 Lara Garrido-Herrero EPHA – European Public Health Alliance. Lobbying the EU institutions: Why and how?. European Public Health Alliance.
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Benefits of EU networking Riga, Thursday 20th April 2006 Lara Garrido-Herrero EPHA – European Public Health Alliance Lobbying the EU institutions: Why and how?
European Public Health Alliance • 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
The role of the NGO sector • Monitor, analyse and inform • Raise awareness • Engage and consult • Challenge • Empower • Represent • Follow-up
The role of NGOs in Brussels • 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.
EU networking: a SWOT analysis Strengths: • Recognition, credibility • Influence • Independence • Cost reduction • Expertise
EU networking: a SWOT analysis Weaknesses: • Diversity of interests which might sometimes compete • Lowest common denominator • Communication problems • Poor quality of outcomes • Possibility of one organisation dominating the others
EU networking: a SWOT analysis Opportunities: • Mutual learning • Creation of consensus • Learn how to negotiate
EU networking: a SWOT analysis Threats: • Passive participation of some members • Poor communication • Bureaucracy • Lack of transparency
Take home messages: • 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
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 lara@epha.org www.epha.org