On 9 July 2024, Access Partnership’s briefing in Brussels addressed strategies for engaging with the new political dynamics in the European Parliament, focusing on indirect approaches through coalitions to navigate the influence of emerging far-right groups.
The recent European elections have introduced new far-right groups, such as “Patriots for Europe”, into the European Parliament. This shift presents challenges for direct engagement, particularly for businesses concerned about reputational risks. Indirect approaches through coalitions and alliances offer a strategic alternative.
By forming or joining industry coalitions, businesses can engage with a broader spectrum of political actors, mitigating direct associations with far-right groups. Leveraging existing relationships with centrist political groups and participating in formal policy forums can also facilitate effective engagement. These strategies help maintain influence in the legislative process while managing potential reputational concerns.
Navigating this new political landscape requires a nuanced understanding of the different factions within the European Parliament and their respective agendas. Far-right groups, for example, may prioritise issues like national sovereignty and protectionism, which could impact digital policy and market access. By engaging indirectly through coalitions, businesses can influence policy discussions without directly aligning themselves with controversial political groups. This approach allows companies to advocate for their interests while maintaining a neutral stance in the political arena.
Unity and resilience
Following her re-election on 18 July 2024, President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised a vision of unity and resilience, advocating for collaboration across the political spectrum to achieve cohesive policy outcomes. Her approach supports strategic engagement through coalitions, enabling effective policymaking despite political fragmentation. Von der Leyen’s strengthened mandate underscores the importance of inclusive dialogue and pragmatic policy development, which aligns with the need for indirect engagement strategies in the current political landscape.
Von der Leyen’s vision for a “Stronger Union in a Contested World” includes measures to enhance political cooperation and ensure that the EU remains united in its diversity. She advocates for a balanced approach to policy development, considering the views of different political groups while maintaining a focus on common European goals. This approach supports the use of coalitions and alliances to navigate the complexities of the European Parliament, ensuring that diverse perspectives are integrated into policy decisions.
Her commitment to inclusive and pragmatic policy development is reflected in her emphasis on collaboration and dialogue. By encouraging engagement across the political spectrum, von der Leyen aims to create a resilient and united Europe that can effectively address the challenges of the digital age. This vision aligns with the need for businesses to adopt indirect engagement strategies to influence policy outcomes while navigating the new political dynamics.
Collective representation
To navigate the new political landscape, businesses should prioritise building and participating in industry coalitions. These coalitions can engage with a range of political actors, including far-right groups, through collective representation. Establishing robust relationships with centrist and mainstream political groups can help mediate engagements with more extreme factions. Participating in official EU policy forums provides a platform for influencing policy development in a structured manner. Engaging public affairs expertise ensures that industry positions are effectively communicated and aligned with broader policy goals.
By participating in coalitions, businesses can leverage the collective influence of the industry to advocate for favourable policy outcomes. These coalitions can present a unified stance on key issues, making it easier to negotiate with policymakers and address potential concerns. Additionally, engaging with centrist political groups can help bridge the gap between different factions within the European Parliament, facilitating constructive dialogue and collaboration.
Industry players should also focus on continuous engagement with policymakers to ensure that their interests are represented throughout the policy development process. This ongoing dialogue can help identify potential challenges and propose solutions that balance the needs of different stakeholders. By working closely with public affairs professionals, businesses can develop effective advocacy strategies that align with the evolving political landscape and drive positive policy outcomes.
Strategic engagement
In a politically fragmented European Parliament, strategic engagement is key. Access Partnership’s deep understanding of the political landscape and expertise in coalition-building can guide your advocacy efforts. To learn more, please contact Matthew McDermott at [email protected].
