Why bother with Brussels? Other resources

There is already a wealth of information out there on the European Union. We have grouped some sources together here to help you navigate your way through.

Sector specific

NCVO's Eurogroup  - If you would like to network with and learn from people across the sector working to influence policy and practice at the EU level or be kept upto date via email, you may be interested in joining this group. Contact Arjun Singh-Muchelle for more details.

Bond have resources dedicated to influencing the EU find out more on their website

Civil Society Contact Group have produced a useful handbook designed for NGOs and activists influencing the EU. Download the Making your voice heard in the EU PDF here. (PDF 2.77MB)

Another report compares VCOs' experience of engaging with the EU. Dowload Civil dialogue: making it work better PDF here. (PDF 1.39 MB)

The European Citizen Action Service have produced a guide of Tips for would be European lobbyists. Download the PDF here

EU resource centres

The UK Office of the European Parliament has an office in London and provides information on their website. Members of the outreach team are responsible for specific UK regions and nations and are able to answer questions, advise you on organising events and provide resources. 

The European Commission Representation in the UK also have an office in London, as well as Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh and co-ordinates the European Commission's activities in the UK.

www.europe.org.uk is a website that brings together contact details for organisations in the UK regions who work together on European issues. You can also find news, events and guides to subjects such as funding. You can find full details of the Europe Direct drop-in centres which are spread throughout the UK and are designed to help members of the EU. There is a legislation section where you can find out about recent developments.

Europe Direct can answer your questions on any European Union policy and provide Contact details of relevant organisations you may need to deal with and provide advice to help you overcome practical problems with exercising your rights in EU. They have centres across the country that offer a range of services and information on the European Union.

Europa is the portal site of the European Union providing up-to-date coverage of European Union affairs and offers access to archives of legislation in force or under discussion, to the websites of each of the EU institutions and information about the policies administered by the Union.  The EU Calendar is a tool allowing you to find out what is on the agenda of the European institutions in the near future.

News

Keeping up to date with EU news can ensure that you hear about all the influencing opportunities out there. If you have limited resources then don't spend your time in monitoring news; Brussels based umbrella organisations will be able to do this for you and keep you update on the EU agenda.

Sector Specific News from the European Union - NCVO 

EU news channels EUobserver and European Parliament news

Back to Why bother with Brussels?