Lobbyists need information on policy proposals, intelligence on policy developments, and knowledge of the positions of other advocates active on a policy debate. Much of this can be gathered from simply talking with other lobbyists and thus some level of networking is expected on every issue. But the question remains: why move beyond networking to build more formal ad hoc issue coalitions? An ad hoc issue coalition is a very specific type of coalition of groups, one which forms for a single discrete issue fight.

There are many reasons why companies are continuing to hire consultants, or hiring them at increased levels. Often, corporate executives lament they are being asked to do more with less e.g. insufficient financial resources, insufficient staff.

Source: Daniel Guéguen- European Lobbying

Lobbying strategies can be divided into four categories (negative, defensive, reactive, or pro-active) with two variables (the soft or hard method).

Negative lobbying strategies

Secessionism is on the rise all across Europe, with movements in search of  independence from their central governments. Almost no European country regardless of the form of government is immune to subnational mobilisation movements. According to rough estimates, there are 100 groups in 29 countries that are seeking greater autonomy from the central government or self-determination. These groups greatly differ in terms of hostility towards the central government, popular support, and most importantly readiness for independence.

Political parties pushing for autonomy or secession

Belgium

• New Flemish Alliance, Libertair, Direct, Democratisch and Vlaams Belang
• Walloon Rally
• Wallonia France Rally, Brussels France Rally

Croatia

• Istrian Democratic Assembly

Czech Republic

• Moravané
• Silesian Autonomy Movement

Denmark

Tech companies are already counting the cost of sweeping EU rules on data protection (General Data Protection Regulation) that will come unto effect across the EU next May. The sector is scrambling to hire new staff and redesign products as it faces millions of dollars in higher costs and lost revenues. The new General Data Protection Regulation will require businesses to adopt stricter standards for dealing with customer data.

European Council Conclusions 19 October 2017

The Tallinn Digital Summit on 29 September 2017 sent a strong message on the need for a stronger and more coherent Digital Europe. Digitalisation offers immense opportunities for innovation, growth and jobs. Seizing these opportunities requires collectively tackling some of the challenges posed by the digital transformation and reviewing policies affected by digitalisation.

To successfully build a Digital Europe, the EU needs in particular:

Article 155 of the Spanish Constitutes provides the following: ‘If a self-governing unit does not fulfil the obligations imposed upon it by the Constitution or other laws, or acts in a way that goes seriously against the general interest of Spain, the Government, after requiring the President of the self-governing unit and failing to be obeyed may, following the approval by absolute majority of the Senate, take the necessary measures to force compliance with those obligations or the protection of the above general interest'.

Note

Source: Annual Index published by Portland Communications and the USC Center on Public Diplomacy

Developing and delivering effective foreign policy is growing in complexity. Precipitated by the shift in power from states to networks, exacerbated by the rapid change in technology and compounded by fiscal constraints, governments and their diplomats must adapt if they wish to succeed in this challenging environment.

1. The evolution of the negotiating process between the Catalan and Spanish governments since the re-establishment of democracy in 1977 through time is marked by key moments of a deteriorating political relationship where the Spanish government has gradually renounced the accommodation of Catalan territorial demands.