"Insight into the EU debate helps to be more effective in the member state."

01/05/2024 - The European Union increasingly influences your organization: in Brussels, the agenda is set, and regulatory frameworks are established. And that poses risks, for example, if your voice in Europe isn't heard. Understanding the European debate and insights into Brussels dynamics are crucial for companies to operate effectively, even within the member states themselves. Let's discuss this with Marlou Dimmendaal, Lead Consultant Public Affairs. 

1. What opportunities exist for Dutch companies in Brussels? 

Brussels serves as the gateway to relevant Dutch legislation. Once this legislation moves to the member states, there's usually little room left for national legislators, except in details regarding implementation. This means the impact of legislation on businesses is largely determined in Europe. In practice, I notice that many companies only take action when Brussels legislation is already heading towards the member states. However, by then, there's little room left for adjustment. 

2. Why should individual companies be active in the EU? 

Some issues can be handled collectively, for example, through the European Tech Alliance (EUTA) or Ecommerce Europe, but it's important to consider internal power dynamics. On certain details, a company might stand alone with a specific stance. This is particularly the case when (larger) competitors have a stronger position in Brussels and have better anticipated upcoming legislation. 

"On certain details, a company might stand alone with a specific stance." 

3. What's the best first step for companies? 

That means getting a grip on what's coming. Insight into the European debate - and thereby getting quicker engagement with European files - also helps to be more effective in the member state. By the time the discussion arises there, the position on this file has already been determined internally, and the company is well-prepared to provide timely input. 

The second step is to bring focus, and to be realistic about the possibilities and capacity. Balance the impact and required effort, and for estimated 'high risk', make the impact as lean & mean as possible. 

"Insight into the European debate helps to be more effective in the member state” 

4. How can one be effective in Brussels? 

My advice: don't wait until it's inevitable that you enter a file, but take the first steps beforehand. Make sure that internal processes and structures are set up. This also includes internal decision-making; it must be well-organized. If the decision is made to engage in a file, there must also be internal support for it. Otherwise, it becomes very difficult to be effective in the EU.