Why bother with Brussels? Partnership working

There are many EU umbrella organisations which bring together organisations across European Union (EU) countries to develop policy and campaign on issues together. Working with Brussels based umbrella groups can make it easier to link up with other organisation across the EU with similar interests. Umbrella groups will be able to provide you with advice and support to ensure your campaign has a greater impact. Spend some time researching what umbrella groups there already are that may cover your area.

The European Parliament can be more receptive to lobbying from a coalition of organisations representing views from across the EU. Forming unusual alliances or linking up with organisations outside of the sector such as trade organisations, trade unions and professional bodies, can be eye catching and demonstrate widespread support for your campaign.

Working with partner organisations across the EU can help you to influence decision makers within these countries and can get constituents involved in lobbying too. If you are new to the EU or a smaller organisation with limited resources, linking up with pan-European umbrella organisations can give you the advice and support you need to influence effectively at the European level.

Tip - A key piece of advice from campaigners who have worked to influence at the EU level is to be strategic and find allies in other member states. The UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Poland and Hungary are the largest member states, with the most MEPs so are often the first places to make contacts.

Case Studies

REACH Chemicals

Working in collaboration with WWF-UK, the Women's Institute (WI) lobbied MEPs to ensure that the strongest legislation on hazardous chemicals was passed by the Parliament. The partnership worked well as both organisations were able to bring their unique expertise to the campaign; the WWF-UK provided strong and compelling evidence through their toxicology experts whilst the WI were able to able to mobilise members into action to provide the people power'. This was the first time the WI had influenced the EU, so the WWF-UK were able to provide more general support explaining how the WI Reach Chemicals lobbying process worked at the European level and helping to set up initial meetings and parliamentary receptions.

EU ban on the import of wild birds

To strengthen their campaign RSPB looked for partners to work with, not only within the environmental sector but outside it. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) were able to bring a new sphere to the campaign coalition. As the professional trade body on this issue they were able to supply the evidence and be the experts'. Partnership working can have challenges but the relationship with the BVA worked well as there was buy in to the campaign from the top down. The President of the BVA had a keen interest in campaigning and they had a staff member that was keen to be present at various meetings with key EU officials arranged by the RSPB.