Lobbying in Brussels; a practical guide to the European Union for cities, regions, networks and enterprices

Why a book on lobbying efforts by cities and regions? Simply because cities and regions are aware that decisions involving them are made in Brussels. How many times do we hear “It is happening in Brussels!” or “Brussels decides!”? From ten regional representative offices in 1994, today Brussels has some 220 regional or local representations and the number keeps on growing. This shows the importance of this specific lobbying effort. But are the corridors in Brussels really accessible to cities and regions in the European Union? How can a city or a region influence the political decision-making process? How can local and regional interests be defended within the Union? These are the questions this book tries to answer concretely and pragmatically. Replaced in the context of European construction, new international environment and enlargement, this work discusses the standpoint of the regions in the Union’s decision-making process. In light of his experience in the European corridors of Brussels, and illustrated by examples of best practices, the author explains the secrets of the influence of the regions and the cities on enlargement and the new Constitution.