
"Δημιουργώντας ένα δίκτυο συμμάχων μέσα στο νέο Ευρωπαικό Κοινοβούλιο"
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?Creating 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
Second phase: implementing the campaign
- mailings
- follow-up (replies and non replies)
- visit key MEPs in the current European Parliament
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)
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
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
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