Lobbying & Making Change in the EU - Inside The Parliament: Part 5

Summary

This video explores the role of lobbying and citizen engagement within the European Parliament. It highlights the differences in lobbying strategies between Irish citizens and their European counterparts, noting the more structured and professional approach taken by other European nations. The discussion covers how lobbying impacts policy decisions, including the influence of private industries and NGOs. Additionally, the video emphasizes the importance of direct communication with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and the value of political engagement, especially for young people. It also touches on the European Citizens' Initiative as a tool for citizen participation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Irish lobbying efforts are less organized and structured compared to their European counterparts, making them less effective.
• 😀 Lobbying in Brussels involves a wide range of interests, with Irish lobbying being weaker in comparison to industries like tobacco, which have a significant influence.
• 😀 The European Citizens' Initiative allows EU citizens to propose legislation if they gather 1 million verified signatures, providing a way to influence policy.
• 😀 Ireland's quota for signatures in the European Citizens' Initiative is about 3,500, and the first successful initiative was the right to water campaign.
• 😀 Direct engagement, such as contacting Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and offering personal opinions, is important for effecting change.
• 😀 Email and social media are effective tools for lobbying, with MEPs often responding to constituents, especially those from their own region.
• 😀 Lobbying is more successful when constituents include their location, as this helps MEPs identify issues relevant to their districts.
• 😀 Media coverage of the European Parliament is minimal, which sometimes results in a lack of understanding of legislative processes back home in Ireland.
• 😀 Irish lobbying tends to be less professional, often carried out informally through social gatherings rather than structured, professional efforts.
• 😀 There is a need to improve and professionalize lobbying efforts in Ireland to better compete with the more organized lobbying practices in other EU countries.

Q & A

How does the Irish approach to lobbying differ from that of other European countries?

The Irish approach to lobbying is less organized and professional compared to other European countries. Irish lobbyists do not tend to structure their efforts as effectively, which reduces their influence. In contrast, lobbying in mainland Europe is much more structured and impactful.

What role does lobbying play in the European Parliament?

Lobbying plays a significant role in the European Parliament, as it influences legislation. Lobbyists represent various interests, including private industries, political groups, and NGOs. However, the influence of lobbying is skewed towards private industry, with NGOs and charities being much less influential.

What are the challenges faced by Irish lobbyists in Brussels?

Irish lobbyists face several challenges in Brussels, including a lack of organization, a less professional approach, and smaller numbers compared to their European counterparts. Additionally, they have to contend with a strong presence of lobbyists from various industries and political groups.

What is the European Citizens Initiative, and how does it work?

The European Citizens Initiative allows EU citizens to propose legislation if they collect one million signatures, with a specific quota for each country. In Ireland, this minimum is around 3,500 verified signatures. This initiative offers citizens a way to directly influence EU legislation.

Can you give an example of a successful European Citizens Initiative?

One successful example of the European Citizens Initiative is the 'Right to Water' campaign, which garnered sufficient support and resulted in a major policy shift. Another notable campaign was against the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), which received over three million signatures.

What is the role of MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) in responding to lobbying efforts?

MEPs are open to hearing from lobbyists and citizens alike. They listen to various political viewpoints and use their judgment to form opinions and policies. MEPs encourage citizens to contact them directly, especially when it comes to influencing legislation or proposing amendments.

How can citizens effectively engage in EU politics to create change?

Citizens can engage in EU politics by staying informed about ongoing legislation, contacting their MEPs to express their views, and supporting initiatives like the European Citizens Initiative. Social media also plays a critical role in engaging politicians, especially if constituents are active in lobbying efforts.

Why is it important for lobbyists to be well-organized and professional?

Well-organized and professional lobbying ensures that the interests being represented are heard clearly and effectively. Without a structured approach, lobbying efforts can be less influential, particularly when competing against powerful corporate interests that dominate the lobbying scene in Brussels.

How does social media influence political lobbying and engagement with MEPs?

Social media plays a crucial role in political lobbying by allowing constituents to reach out to their MEPs quickly and directly. MEPs pay close attention to social media activity, particularly when citizens from their own constituencies engage. Social media enables greater visibility for issues and creates more effective communication channels.

How can Irish citizens improve their effectiveness in lobbying within the European Union?

Irish citizens can improve their lobbying effectiveness by becoming more organized, professional, and structured in their efforts. Additionally, they should aim to engage not only with Irish politicians but also with other European stakeholders, thereby broadening their influence across the EU.