WHAT MAKES A GOOD PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCATE ?

Many organizations interested in government relations frequently ask “What makes a good Public Policy Advocate and how will I know one when I see one?” For an organization it is important to hire a Public Policy Advocate who establishes a strong relationship with the organization, its members and who works hard to understand the organization’s issues and concerns. Here are some other things to consider:

LOBBYISTS AND THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK

The effects of lobbying in the European Parliament are contingent and not certain. They fluctuate in accordance with inter-institutional interactions, national interests, types of policy, types of legislation, as well as the style of lobbying, the coalitions formed around specific policies and the nature of resources deployed by lobbyists themselves. The most effective collectively organised interests and lobbyists know that Brussels is very much an insider’s town.

TRADE IN SERVICES AGREEMENT (TiSA) NEGOTIATIONS

The Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) is a trade agreement currently being negotiated by 23 members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), including the EU. Together, these countries account for 70% of world trade in services.

TiSA is based on the WTO's General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), which involves all WTO members. The key provisions of the GATS – scope, definitions, market access, national treatment and exemptions – are also found in TiSA .

T-TIP AND THE VIEW OF THE EPP GROUP IN THE EP

The EPP Group stresses that the T-TIP must not and cannot overrule, repeal or amend EU laws and regulations. Any changes to EU laws have to be approved by the competent Institutions. The EPP Group considers that, for trade negotiations, a certain amount of confidentiality should be maintained, so as not to undermine the EU's own position in the negotiations. However, this confidentiality should be balanced by an accurate and appropriate flow of information to the other stakeholders and to the public, including the European Parliament and the Council.

T-TIP AND THE VIEW OF THE S&D GROUP IN THE EP

The S&D Group (Socialists and Democrats) recognizes the opportunities of the agreement. Especially as regards improved access to the U.S. markets for services and public procurement, recognition of technical standards, protection of EU geographical indications and the abolition of U.S. trade restrictions (as for instance the 'Buy American Act' and the 'Jones Act'), the EU and its industries and services have clear offensive interests under the T-TIP. Furthermore, the T-TIP can provide an opportunity to reinforce workers' rights in the USA, based on high ILO and EU standards.

THE LOBBY OF THE TOY INDUSTRY (USA)

The Toy Industry Association (TIA) is generally supportive of efforts to pursue a comprehensive U.S.-EU transatlantic trade and investment partnership (T-TIP).  The TIA has a membership of more than 600 businesses – from toy manufacturers, retailers and importers to inventors, designers and testing labs – all involved in creating and bringing safe toys and games to children. Its members account for 85% of the $22 billion U.S. toy market. The U.S. toy industry supports an estimated 533,177 jobs, generating $25.8 billion in wages for U.S.

AGAINST FAST TRACK AND QUESTIONING THE T-TIP

The following U.S. organizations are asking Congress to replace the Fast Track procedures (Under the Fast Track procedure, Congress takes a vote on a trade agreement without a chance to debate or amend the agreement)  and create a new trade negotiating and approval process that would help deliver trade agreements that could benefit workers, communities, and the environment and, therefore, rebuild broad support for trade agreements.

THE LOBBY OF THE NATIONAL MILK PRODUCERS FEDERATION AND THE U.S. DAIRY EXPORT COUNCIL (USA)

For the National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council, there is a deep concern about the EU’s overall approach to SPS [sanitary and phytosanitary] issues, and  they point out that EU MEPs are frequently given the ability to override the EU’s own scientific authority’s findings and are calling instead for restrictions on products based typically on animal welfare or consumer preferences.

THE LOBBY OF THE NGFA AND NAEGA (USA)

For the National Grain & Feed Association (NGFA) and the North American Export Grain Association which comprise the largest U.S. agribusinesses, the current 'asynchronous approval' situation is caused by many factors, including risk assessment guidelines that are not aligned and increasing politically-motivated delays in product approvals.

NGA Member Firms:

THE LOBBY OF THE USW AND NAWG (USA)

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) support the eventual commercialization of biotech wheat. USW works with industry partners to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the concerns of overseas customers.

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