Influencing the European Commission

The European Commission represents and upholds the interests of the European Union (EU) as a whole. It initiates all EU laws or legislation and once passed by the Parliament and Council oversees their implementation.

Understand the jargon

The European Commission refers to interest representation to mean both professional lobbying and advocacy from all sectors. Their definition of interest representation is "activities carried out with the objective of influencing the policy formulation and decision-making processes of the European institutions".

Directorates General and Services are often referred to as Directorates General or DGs. DGs are the departments, each with a specific area of policy, within the Commission. The administrative head is called a Director General and European Commissioners are responsible for one or several DGs within their policy scope. View the full list of DGs

For more EU jargon busting see the glossary.

Identify influencing opportunities

As the Commission proposes and drafts initial legislation, approaching Commission officials at this first stage of the decision making process can help to make sure your concerns are addressed from the outset.

Influencing at the earliest stage possible can be effective - by initially trying to influence the European Commission when they are at the drafting stage you stand a better chance of getting your changes adopted into legislation. Dan Pescord, Campaigns Manager - Europe, International and Accessibility, RNIB

The European commission publishes an annual work plan which gives you an indication of the proposals it intends to make in the coming year. If a proposal comes to your attention that you don't like or want to amend getting in early on the process and highlighting your issues increases your chances of securing changes.

Europa's EU Calendar allows you to find out what is on the agenda of the European institutions in the near future. View the calendar

You can also sign up to newsletters alerting you to upcoming legislation proposals and consultations or join up with an EU based umbrella organisation who will be able to monitor events for you.

When to influence - tips from the European Commission

There are four stages when you can influence the Commission

Awareness raising and informing the Commission

The Commission is not omniscient so sometimes it just may not be aware of certain issues. You can inform them of your concerns best by speaking to the expert dealing with your issue. This may then trigger a process addressing your concern at EU level.

Influencing existing policy processes

Often, the Commission may already be dealing with your cause. You can make representations to the Commission explaining to them which direction you believe the EU-level initiative should be heading.

Through public consultation (Green Papers)

The Commission regularly consults publicly on a wide range of topics, inviting contributions from all interested parties. All consultations are published on Your voice in Europe this is the Commission's single access point to consultations, discussions and tools to enable you to play an active role in the European policy-making process.

Before a formal (legislative) proposal has been tabled

You can also make representations to the Commission before the College has formally adopted a proposal.

The Commission often forms groups to inform the drafting process and seeks the views of civil society organisations, so keep up to date with EU news.

With thanks to the European Commission representation in the UK.

Who to contact - tips from RSPB

Within the Commission at the civil servant level find out who is drafting the legislation, not just which department (or DG), but the individual who is drafting it. Also find out what other DG's will be involved as the legislation goes through the Commission and looked at from various angles.
At the political level meet with the Private office or Cabinet for each relevant Commissioner and if at all possible with the Commissioner responsible for that issue.

Political advisors and parliamentary assistants look into issues in more details so build up relationships with those covering your issue to share information two ways.

With thanks to Sacha Cleminson, EU Manager RSPB.

Each DG has an organigramme on their website which shows all the units within it and their remit. Sometimes several DGs deal with specific aspects of a given cause so remember to look into all angles

Individual staff members can be found in the staff directory

Code of Conduct and Register for Interest Representatives

Code of Conduct and Register for Interest Representatives - is voluntary for interest representatives to sign up to. There are separate categories within the register to distinguish between the various sectors. The principles behind the code and register are openness and transparency - there are seven rules. It is straight forward to register and by doing so and completing information on what kind of organisation you belong to and what areas you cover you will automatically be alerted to the relevant consultations.