Figure 1

1. legislative powers
2. agenda-setting
3. consultation with the Council
4. consultation with the Commission
5. parliamentary control of Council
6. parliamentary control of Commission
7. representation of European public

Figure 2

Ways to Exert Influence on the European Policy-making

I.2

The EP/MEP can exert influence best by

• a giving its opinion to proposals of the Commission
• b informal contacts/consultations with the Commission before the proposal is submitted to the EP
• c informal contacts/consultations with the Commission when a proposal is discussed in the EP
• d informal contacts/consultations after the EP has voted on the proposal
• e informal contacts/consultations with the Council when a proposal is discussed in the EP
• f informal contacts/consultations with the Council after the EP has voted on the proposal
• g contacts with national parliaments
• h activities to mobilize public opinion

Figure 3

Influence of the EP in different issue areas

I.3

Figure 4

The Timing of Making Contacts

II.4

• a at the stage of agenda setting
• b before the Commission submits a proposal to the EP
• c when the rapporteur writes his/her report
• d during the dicussion in the Committees
• e during the discussion in the political group
• f during the plenary sessions of the EP
• g during the consultation of the EP with the Council and the Commission

Figure 5

How to approach MEPs best

II. 11

• a position papers
• b regular background information
• c regular contacts to Committe members
• d approaching MEPs directly on issues of particular interests
• e propositions for amendments to directives under discussion
• f press conferences on controversal issues
• g taking part in hearings
• h providing scientific information

Figure 6

Obstacles to be met

II.13

Table 1

Acceptance of Consultants by Nationalities

Figure 8

Acceptance by the Political Parties

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

1. provide expert information
2. support grass root activities
3. aggregate divergent interests

Figure 13

Figure 14

1. the services of the EP
2. the Commission
3. national governments
4. universities or scientific institutes
5. interest organizations
6. media

Table 2

Contacts with Associations