Lobbying at the EU: Methods and Implications for the Turkish Business World

TEPAV|EPRI in cooperation with the Regional Environmental Center in Turkey (REC), organized a training program on lobbying in the European Union for the Turkish business world.

The Vice President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Halim Mete, made the opening remarks in the seminar. During his speech, Mete mentioned that three fourths of the negotiation chapters are directly associated with the business world, therefore there is a need for businessmen to get involved and influence decisions effecting their business through lobbying. Mr. Mete also put a special emphasis on the ongoing transformation of the Turkish economy. The program followed the speeches of TEPAV|EPRI's Executive Director, Güven Sak and REC's President in Turkey, Sibel Sezer Eralp. Apart from the businessmen, representatives of NGOs from diverse sectors and trade associations participated in the program.

Former President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Belgium, Russel Patten, was the key note speaker of the event. He explained the decision-making process in the EU and underscored the golden rule of lobbying as "the sooner you start the better results you can reach."  During his presentation, Mr. Patten referred to the significance of engaging with officials on every level starting from the bottom and emphasized the importance of timing.

Along with Mr. Patten, ruling partner of Grayling Communications, Ana Baptista, gave concrete examples of lobbying activities of different interest groups in Brussels. Ms. Baptista described the steps of lobbying in Brussels and the position of pressure groups in this process.

In the Second half of the session, Ms. Meltem Kurtsan, Head of the Women Entrepreneurs Association (KAGIDER) took the floor and talked about her lobbying experiences with women entrepreneurs. During her presentation, Ms. Kurtsan referred to foreign partners and the projects KAGIDER succeeded in previously pushing through as well as her future plans.

Following Ms. Kurtsan's presentation, Kerem Okumuş from REC Turkey, explained the EU regulations on the environment chapter. He also mentioned the adaptation of the acquis-communautaire on the environment by Turkish businesses in relation to administrative capacity and financial burdens.

Christina de Avilla from the DG Environment of the European Commission was the final speaker of the event. Ms. Avilla presented the REACH Directive and the lobbying efforts that shaped it.

MR. SAK'S PRESENTATION

TEPAV|EPRI Executive Director, Güven Sak, described the Turkish private sector as strong and diversified; but at the same time, cited the biggest concerns as contestation with corruption, poor modernization of industry and unregistered employment in the economy.

Throughout his remarks, Dr. Güven Sak made a comparison of the private sector in Turkey with the most recent EU countries. Dr. Sak pointed out that the post-communist members of the Union, caught up with Turkey, after starting negotiations with the EU in terms of the share of the private sector in their GNP.

Güven Sak also mentioned that the application of EU standards will add 5% to the fixed costs of firms. Therefore, there is a need for preparing impact analysis reports across sectors as well as across regions. Thus, this naturally paves the way for Turkish industrialists to take decisions on lobbying with their counterparts in the Union without harming national interests.

Dr. Sak also mentioned the role of chambers in Turkey which are known as the vital channels of creating awareness on the EU process. He added that through conducting needs assessment reports, TOBB represents the private sector in the public-private sector dialogue.

TEPAV|EPRI in cooperation with the Regional Environmental Center in Turkey (REC), organized a training program on lobbying in the European Union for the Turkish business world.

The Vice President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Halim Mete, made the opening remarks in the seminar. During his speech, Mete mentioned that three fourths of the negotiation chapters are directly associated with the business world, therefore there is a need for businessmen to get involved and influence decisions effecting their business through lobbying. Mr. Mete also put a special emphasis on the ongoing transformation of the Turkish economy. The program followed the speeches of TEPAV|EPRI's Executive Director, Güven Sak and REC's President in Turkey, Sibel Sezer Eralp. Apart from the businessmen, representatives of NGOs from diverse sectors and trade associations participated in the program.

Former President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Belgium, Russel Patten, was the key note speaker of the event. He explained the decision-making process in the EU and underscored the golden rule of lobbying as "the sooner you start the better results you can reach."  During his presentation, Mr. Patten referred to the significance of engaging with officials on every level starting from the bottom and emphasized the importance of timing.

Along with Mr. Patten, ruling partner of Grayling Communications, Ana Baptista, gave concrete examples of lobbying activities of different interest groups in Brussels. Ms. Baptista described the steps of lobbying in Brussels and the position of pressure groups in this process.

In the Second half of the session, Ms. Meltem Kurtsan, Head of the Women Entrepreneurs Association (KAGIDER) took the floor and talked about her lobbying experiences with women entrepreneurs. During her presentation, Ms. Kurtsan referred to foreign partners and the projects KAGIDER succeeded in previously pushing through as well as her future plans.

Following Ms. Kurtsan's presentation, Kerem Okumus from REC Turkey, explained the EU regulations on the environment chapter. He also mentioned the adaptation of the acquis-communautaire on the environment by Turkish businesses in relation to administrative capacity and financial burdens.

Christina de Avilla from the DG Environment of the European Commission was the final speaker of the event. Ms. Avilla presented the REACH Directive and the lobbying efforts that shaped it.