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EU Advocacy

EU Advocacy. The EU political system Where and how to influence policy Differences between domestic and European advocacy. The EU Political System . The Council of the European Union The European Council The European Parliament The European Commission.

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EU Advocacy

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  1. EU Advocacy The EU political system Where and how to influence policy Differences between domestic and European advocacy

  2. The EU Political System • The Council of the European Union • The European Council • The European Parliament • The European Commission

  3. The Council of the European Union • Composed of Ministers from each member state • 6-monthly rotating Presidency which sets policy Council agenda • Key functions: • Setting legislation (shared with Parliament) • Budget setting authority (shared with Parliament) • Setting and implementing foreign policy (led by Cathy Ashton, EEAS) • Why should advocacy managers care? • Mechanism through which campaigners can push their government reps to advance their issue • Key linkage between national politicians and EU level legislative process • Meetings are often well publicised and debates are important

  4. The European Council • The ‘Leader-level’ grouping • Heads of State of each EU member meet at least once during every EU Presidency cycleplus during ‘crisis situations’ • Do not set legislation • But… • Set out policy guidelines and timelines • Announce Declarations and Resolutions of action • Why should advocacy managers care? • Council carries huge weight politically • Huge attention paid to its actions

  5. The European Parliament • Only elected EU Body • Three key functions: • Legislates on an equal footing with the Council of EU • It has the final say on the EU’s budget • It has the power of scrutiny • Committees of inquiry • Approves President of European Commission • Power to appoint/dismiss all 27 Commissioners • Why should advocacy managers care? • Campaigners can directly lobby their ‘local’ MEP who is answerable to constituents. This gives advocacy campaigners real leverage • Parliament is a good target for pan-European campaigns and for getting ‘blocs’ of MEPs to back your campaign

  6. The European Commission • The heart of the EU machine • It is the main executive body and the civil service of the EU – it is made of 25 commissioners plus the High Rep for Foreign Affairs and the Commission President • Only body that can initiate legislative proposals to the Council and the Parliament • Ensures that laws are implemented and adhered to • Represents the EU on the international stage • Why should advocacy managers care? • This is where policy is put into action. • This is effectively the ‘EU Government’ – engaging with the commissioners and advisors is often absolutely critical in EU advocacy campaigns

  7. The Emergence of the EEAS • EEAS: European External Action Service • Headed up by Cathy Ashton • Responsible for foreign and security policy • Leads foreign affairs council • Key figurehead for the EU in bilateral & multilateral relations • Effectively setting up of EU ‘embassies’ and foreign office • Where does international development and humanitarian affairs fit in? • Commissioner AndrisPiebalgs – Development; EuropeAid • Commissioner KristalinaGeorgieva – Humanitarian Aid

  8. So where does international development fit in? • EU policy and legislative power can be split into three areas:

  9. Types of EU legislative acts • EU Regulation: • EU law which overrides member state domestic legislation and must be adhered to unless an ‘opt-out’ is secured • The EU budget is set by an EU Regulation; the next ‘Multi-annual Financial Framework (financial perspectives) is being decided now! • EU Directive: • This is a law which member states must enact through domestic legislation. The directive usually sets the ‘minimum legislative standard’ that the member state must meet • A Decision • The Council can also hand down ‘decisions’ which are far moe ad-hoc and are directed at individuals or groups. Sometimes nations. Debates around large company mergers; price setting levels or various types of disputes are settled this way

  10. Its not just about legislation; its about action as well • Much like at the domestic level; a lot of EU advocacy is aimed at changing policy and practice rather than changing laws • When it comes to development – it is also often about how much and where aid money is spent • Legislation:

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