The traditional Japanese lawmaking process is shaped by Bureaucratic-Lead Politics (BLP). The government ministries and their bureaucrats originate, research, vet and write most Japanese legislation. They monopolize both the information and agenda.

China is very proactive on the diplomatic front, both bilaterally and multilaterally.  China’s public diplomacy has gone into overdrive in Europe. Many of China’s policy initiatives, such as the ‘China Dream’, the ‘One Belt, One Road’ (OBOR) or even the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have been the subject of intense lobbying and communication to European publics, power brokers and decision makers. The frequency and depth of diplomatic exchanges varies across Europe but has intensified in general.

Written by Boris Johnson

AALEP is of the opinion that there would be great value for Member States’ National Qualifications Authorities in providing standards and a model for certification of ‘Consultants in European Relations and Lobbying’ inspired by the French example reproduced in English here below.  

Set up under the French social modernization law n°2002-73 dated 17 January 2002, the national committee for professional certification is placed under the authority of the French minister in charge of vocational training. The committee is made up of 43 members: representatives of ministers, representatives of the regions, social partners, representatives of the consular chambers, and qualified persons. Its mission is to:

In order to be a strong and reputable representative of the private sector, vis-à-vis the public sector, a Chamber of Commerce should have the capacity to advocate the interests and concerns of its members; possess a strong organizations with a proper governance structure; and respond to its members needs by delivering required services and information. Lobbying and advocacy for a more conducive economic environment are a core activity of Chambers of Commerce.

By: Kadri Liik, senior policy fellow at European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR).

Edited by AALEP

Russia and the West have fundamentally different understandings not only of what constitutes acceptable international behaviour, but also of the goals and “natural” drivers that underpin it. And we are unable to have a direct conversation about our differences. Different frameworks combined with miscommunication have grown, over time, into self-perpetuating antagonistic narratives.

Since becoming a member of the EU in 1973, the United Kingdom has negotiated opt-outs on key parts of EU legislation, and a sizeable rebate from the EU annual budget.

"There will be tough new restrictions on access to our welfare system for EU migrants -- no more something for nothing. Britain will never join the euro. And we've secured vital protections for our economy and a full say over the rules of the free trade single market while remaining outside the euro. I believe that this is enough for me to recommend that the United Kingdom remain in the European Union, having the best of both worlds."

Key Points of Cameron’s EU deal

The relationship of the UK with the EU has always been difficult. This, partly explained by geography, history and culture, has deteriorated in last years. This is because the British think, with some reason, that the EU institutions have been marked by growing dysfunctionalities. The Eurozone crisis is seen as a further demonstration of the EU’s wrongdoings. It is also feared that it might entail a further integration of the Eurozone, which is seen as a potential danger to British interests. Many Member States agree that the EU does not work well and needs reforms.