Maximising Influence: Practical Strategies for Engaging with the European Parliament

In my position of Communications Manager at EUMEPS, I have been actively involved in shaping and supporting our advocacy efforts within the EU, focusing on promoting the interests of the EPS industry. Navigating the complex world of EU Public Affairs can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Over the past months, valuable lessons have been learned about what works—and what does not—when it comes to engaging effectively with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). This article will share practical tips and examples from experience at EUMEPS to help enhance advocacy efforts.

Understanding the Legislative Process and Building Strong Relationships

One of the first steps in effective advocacy is understanding how the EU legislative process works and who the key players are. It is essential to know the timeline for legislation, the committees involved, and the MEPs who have the most influence on issues that matter to your organization. This knowledge allows for strategic planning of engagement, ensuring that messages reach the right people at the right time.

At EUMEPS, a key priority was to map out the legislative process for critical issues such as the European Green Deal. The focus was on identifying which MEPs were leading discussions on energy efficiency, waste management, and sustainability—areas where EPS has a significant role to play. By concentrating efforts on these influential figures, we were able to build strong relationships that have been crucial to the success of our advocacy initiatives. The contributions of our EU Policy Manager and EU Technical Affairs Manager were particularly vital in this process.

Example: When discussions around the European Green Deal began to gain momentum, outreach was initiated with MEPs on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) Committee. These MEPs were directly involved in shaping policies related to energy efficiency—an area where EPS excels. By meeting with them early in the process, EPS was introduced as an irrepleacable solution for achieving the EU’s sustainability goals. This proactive approach laid the groundwork for ongoing collaboration and dialogue.

Crafting Messages That Resonate with EU Policymakers

Effective communication is all about delivering the right message to the right audience. In the context of EU Public Affairs, this means understanding what issues are most important to MEPs and tailoring messages to align with their priorities. Every MEP has specific areas of interest, and tapping into these can make advocacy efforts much more effective.

At EUMEPS, significant effort was put into crafting messages that resonate with the priorities of EU policymakers. For example, in the "EPS, Teammate for a Greener Future" campaign, the focus was on how EPS contributes to the European Green Deal’s objectives. The ways in which EPS insulation can significantly reduce energy consumption in buildings were highlighted, thus supporting the EU’s climate goals. By framing the message in terms that align with the EU’s broader objectives, it was possible to capture the attention of MEPs who were previously unfamiliar with the benefits of EPS.

During the advocacy campaign, clear and concise briefing materials were created that outlined the role of EPS in enhancing energy efficiency. These materials were tailored to the interests of the targeted MEPs, making it easy for them to see how EPS could fit into their policy agendas. This targeted messaging was instrumental in securing meetings and building support for the industry’s initiatives.

Combining Digital Engagement with Personal Interaction

Successful advocacy often requires a combination of online and offline strategies. Digital tools like social media can help reach a wide audience quickly, but nothing beats the impact of personal, face-to-face interactions.

For the communications campaigns that I run, platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter are used to share key messages and engage with MEPs and their staff. This digital engagement helps raise awareness and keep the issues on the radar of policymakers. However, the value of in-person meetings is also recognised. By attending relevant committee meetings, workshops, and public hearings, direct engagement with MEPs was possible, allowing for questions to be answered and stronger relationships to be built.

Collaboration and Continuous Engagement: The Keys to Success

In the EU Public Affairs arena, collaboration is crucial. No single organization can achieve its goals in isolation. At EUMEPS, active collaboration with other European associations, industry experts, and civil society organizations was a key strategy to amplify advocacy efforts. This collaborative approach not only strengthened the message but also helped to build a broader base of support.

Continuous engagement is also essential. The EU legislative process can be slow, with decisions often taking months or even years. By staying engaged throughout the process—attending meetings, following up with MEPs, and providing them with regular updates—ensured that the issues remained a priority.

When working on a joint communication campaign with three other European associations representing the insulation sector, resources and expertise were combined to create a unified message. This collaboration made the campaign more impactful and allowed for engagement with a wider range of MEPs and stakeholders. By continuing to work together and maintaining regular contact with policymakers, it was possible to keep the issues at the forefront of the EU agenda.

Conclusion: Moving Forward with Confidence

Engaging with the European Parliament requires patience, persistence, and a strategic approach. By understanding the legislative process, crafting tailored messages, leveraging digital tools, and building strong relationships, a significant impact can be made. The experience at EUMEPS has shown that success in EU Public Affairs is built on collaboration, continuous engagement, and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment.

If you are involved in EU Public Affairs or interested in improving advocacy efforts, connecting and sharing insights would be highly valuable. Collaboration and shared knowledge can help ensure that voices are heard and positive change is driven within the EU.