Δημιουργία "Interest Group" για την Ψυχική Υγεία μέσα στο Ευρωπαικό Κοινοβούλιο - πρωτοβουλία Gamian Europe

"Δημιουργώντας ένα δίκτυο συμμάχων μέσα στο νέο Ευρωπαικό Κοινοβούλιο"

"Interest Group" είναι μια ανεπίσημη ομάδα που ενώνει μέλη του Ευρωπαικού Κοινοβουλίου (συντομογραφία: MEPs), δηλαδή Ευρωβουλευτές από όλες τις χώρες (και τις παρατάξεις) για ένα κοινό θέμα ενδιαφέροντος (στην περίπτωσή μας για την ψυχική υγεία). Συνηθως έχει στόχο να συζητήσει Ευρωπαικά θέματα και να λάβει πρωτοβουλίες που θα επηρρεάσουν πολιτικές δράσεις. Οι συναντήσεις γίνονται 2-3 φορές το χρόνο και την γραμματειακή υποστήριξη την κάνει κάποιος σύλλογος/Μ.Κ.Ο.

Το παρακάτω αγγλικό κείμενο περιγράφει αναλυτικά το σχέδιο για "Interest Group" για ψυχική Υγεία. πώς θα γίνει προσπάθεια να προσεγγισθούν παλαιοί και νέοι Ευρωβουλευτές.

Introduction

In order to influence EU policy making, strong links and working relations with the three EU institutions are an absolute must. Contrary to common beliefs, the EU institutions are rather open to co-operation with outside bodies, with the European Parliament providing the best opportunities for forging strong links with its Members. MEPs have the possibility to instigate a number of different policy actions and their powers are increasing. For instance, the Parliament can produce Own Initiative reports on issues of their choice; they have the power to amend Commission legislative proposals in a number of policy areas; they are on equal par with the Council of Ministers in an increasing number of instances; and they have the right to ask critical questions to the Commission.

In order to put and keep health advocacy on the EU political agenda, links with the institutions need to be built. Establishing a network of allies within the European Parliament would seem feasible, given the opportunities provided by the 2009 June elections. Since a formal ‘Intergroup’ (a cross-party, cross-country Group bringing together MEPs to advocate on a single issue) would be difficult to develop (because of the popularity of the mechanism, the EP authorities decided to limit the number a few years ago and there is an intricate set of rules that need to be fulfilled) the most effective would be to set up an Interest Group on Mental Health. Even if this proves unfeasible, the effort will be worthwhile: at the very least a strong network of contacts will have been established and awareness of GAMIAN-Europe, its activities and priorities will have been raised.

What is an Interest Group?

An Interest Group is an informal group in the European Parliament, bringing together MEPs with a common interest in a specific issue or policy field. It usually aims to discuss European issues and to take initiatives that can lead to/influence policy initiatives. Ideally, it should be composed of MEPs representing the various political factions and nationalities, in order to enhance its credibility and its influence. In other words, an Interest Group is an informal cross-party, cross-country group, providing a forum for debate and for initiating policy action.
The most effective Groups are led by a panel of Co-Presidents of different nationalities, representing the various main political factions. Interest Groups meet 2 – 3 times a year, and the secretariat for the meetings is usually provided by an outside body (quite often an NGO).

Creating an Interest Group

Establishing an Interest Group requires a great deal of planning and effort, while a positive outcome can by no means guaranteed. The 2009 June elections provide a good opportunity to gauge interest, given that there will be many new MEPs who are keen to make their mark and profile themselves on issues of specific interest.
If successful, GAMIAN-Europe will have access to a broad and powerful coalition which can work as an internal pressure group within the European Parliament. In addition, when action for the Interest Group as a whole is not appropriate, GAMLAN-Europe will be able to call on its individual members to support policy initiatives (propose amendments etc., ask Parliamentary Questions, host and chair meetings etc.).
Steps in the process of establishing an Interest Group
First phase: preparing the ground

    • analyse election results and identify leading MEPs (8-10)
    • have informal meetings to discuss the idea with these leading MEPs
    • prepare a contacts database of potential supporting MEPs
    • think of an alternative activity to target them and attract attention
Timeline: July – September 2009
Second phase: implementing the campaign
    • mailings
    • follow-up (replies and non replies)
    • visit key MEPs in the current European Parliament
Timeline: September – October 2009
Third phase: compiling the Interest Group

- on the basis of contacts and replies:

    • put together panel of Co-Presidents
    • compile a work programme (questions to MEPs to identify their specific interests)
Timeline: November 2009 - January 2010

Fourth phase: launching the Interest Group

    • inaugural meeting (or reception) with a concrete action as a result (Interest Group letter to Commission, PQ,…)
    • press release
Timeline: February - March 2010

Fifth phase: consolidation

    • plan series of meetings
    • GAMIAN-Europe to provide secretariat
    • Bi- or tri monthly electronic newsletter
    • Bi-annual dinner with panel of Co-Presidents
Timeline: April - May 2010

Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια: