If Athens were able to control its monetary policy, it would ostensibly be able to “solve” the two major problems currently plaguing the Greek economy. First, Athens could ease its financing problems substantially. The Greek central bank could print money and purchase government debt, bypassing the credit markets. Second, reintroducing its currency would allow Athens to then devalue it, which would stimulate external demand for Greek exports and spur economic growth.

AALEP Chairman has been invited by the Interns of the Representation of the State of  Baden-Württemberg to the EU to speak on the subject of lobbying and representation of interests. The Interns of the Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the EU (Vertretung des Landes Baden-Württemberg bei der Europäischen Union) are holding an event entitled "Europäisches Fachgespräch" (European Policy Discussion) on 18 May, 2011 on the subject: Lobbying-the survival of the fittest?  Representation of interests in the EU!

There are 200 embassies in Washington D.C.

They employ about 10,000 people- some with full diplomatic status and others- including local hires, in-lower-office jobs, including chefs and chauffeurs.

Voici les mesures à court et à moyen terme qui visent à accompagner et à soutenir les processus de transition politique en Tunisie. Elles s’articulent autour des lignes d’action suivantes :

1. Aide humanitaire en faveur des personnes déplacées les plus vulnérables.

Some Foreign Missions need counselling on dealing with the EU. Here below are the core services to be provided:

Washington lobbyists for Arab nations find themselves in a precarious spot, as they try to stay a step ahead of the fast-changing events taking place in the Arab world. For many years, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Yemen, Egypt and other countries in the region have relied on Washington's top lobbyists and lawyers, paying them tens of millions of dollars. But some firms are now tacking toward a more progressive stance in light of what has happened , while others are dropping their clients altogether because of the tumult.

The top 20 U.S. Corporations spent together U.S.$ 266 Million and hired 1810 Lobbyists in 2010.

According to a recently completed research of FARA's (Foreign Agents Registration Act) registrants undertaken by AALEP Japan ranks Number 1 in terms of engagement in U.S. political activities i.e. influence of any agency or official of the U.S. government or any section of the public; undertaking public relations activities including furnishing, disseminating or publishing accounts, descriptions, information or data with respect to politics, economics, culture, representation of interests before the U.S. government.

Due to limited human and financial resources many Foreign Missions to the EU (see previous article) are unable to achieve the necessary outreach on various levels-political, cultural, business, academia. We submit that outsourcing some tasks to a selected professional can be a method to effectively expand the diplomatic network, broaden public diplomacy opportunities, increase presence at low cost and with low risk while providing depth and reach. In our proposed model, the selected professional would serve for free and would be offered a reimbursement for some of his/her expenses.

Many foreign missions to the EU are so understaffed that they can do little more than maintain a formal presence, to keep up appearances in Brussels. Does this matter? The answer surely is YES. In an era transformed by globalisation and the communications revolution, a well-resourced  diplomatic effort is more crucial than ever. Having strong connections not only with the EU institutions but with business and civil society in EU member states is increasingly vital to national interests.