Lobbying the European Union Institutions, Actors, and Issues [Hardcover]

It is universally accepted that there has been a huge growth in EU lobbying over the past few decades. There is now a dense EU interest group system. This entirely new volume, inspired by Mazey & Richardson's 1993 bookLobbying in the European Community, seeks to understand the role of interest groups in the policy process from agenda-setting to implementation. Specifically, the book is interested in observing how interest groups organize to influence the EU institutions and how they select different coalitions along the policy process and in different policy domains.

In looking at 20 years of change, the book captures processes of institutional and actor learning, professionalization of lobbying, and the possible emergence of a distinct EU public policy style. More specifically, from the actors' perspective, the editors are interested in assessing how the rise of direct lobbying and the emergence of fluid issue-based coalitions has changed the logic of collective action, and what is the potential impact of 'venue-shopping' on reputation and influence. From an institutional perspective, the contributors explore resource and legitimacy demands, and the practical impact of consultation processes on the emergence of a distinct EU lobbying relationship. It will be essential reading for academics and practitioners alike.

A comprehensive update of Mazey and Richardson's editedLobbying in the European Community. --West European Politics

Given the attention lavished on EU interest group politics, our sum of knowledge regarding their impact on EU policy can seem meagre, or at the very least, difficult to piece together. Those looking to navigate this jungle would be wise to pick up David Coen and Jeremy Richardson's edited volume,Lobbying the European Union...WhatLobbying the European Uniondoes best is bring the policy process back in...the contributor remind us that the forces at work in policy-making arel3.