What is on the next Fisheries Commissioner’s agenda

by

The handover briefings for the next Commission are being prepared by all Directorate-Generals. For the next Fisheries Commissioner, their agenda will be a busy one. They’ll have good news. That’s been rare for Fisheries Commissioners. Success is there. Stocks in the North West Europe are doing better and often well.  Challenges remain. 1. The Mediterranean … Read more

European Parliament backs Environment Committee on substance challenges

by

This afternoon, 27 March, the European Parliament backed 5  challenges to secondary legislation by the Environment Committee. Of interest to me were the 3 challenges to REACH substance authorisations.  They all went through.   Objection pursuant to Rule 106: Genetically modified soybean MON 87751  Vote: For: 373, Against: 206, Abstentions: 31 Vote Watch Link     … Read more

Do Commission proposals get through with little change?

by

There is a useful add on to PDF. You can compare two PDFs and see how the text has changed. For me, this has an extra use. It helps you see how much of a legislative proposal got changed. Many people claim a crucial role in influencing the final proposal from when the Commission issues … Read more

Why NGOs lobby & what you can learn from them

by

I am sometimes asked why NGOs are so active in lobbying and campaigning. I find it a strange question. My basic response is “why would they not be”? My second level response is “NGOs use lobbying and political campaigning to deliver policy and legislative change to support their conservation etc. goals”. In case I am … Read more