EU policymakers adapting to e-engagement during COVID 19 crisis

By Dr Fiona Murray, Passerelle

There is no denying COVID 19 is changing the way we work. Many people have had to move their workplace from office to home. 

EU policymakers are no exception. EU institutions are on a swift learning curve, having to adapt to the new reality in order both to respond to the immediate crisis and also to keep the EU policy agenda moving forward.

On the political level, changes have included e-voting by the European Parliament and e-meetings of political leaders.

For the private sector, face-to-face meetings and events have likewise moved ‘online’. An unexpected benefit of having to engage in a virtual environment is the greater willingness of EU policymakers to engage with the private sector through video calls and meetings. 

We at Passerelle are already successfully engaging with EU officials on behalf of and with our clients via video calls and conferences. 

Some of the unexpected benefits of this ‘new’ form of engagement, for clients and EU officials alike, include less time involved overall, greater focus and efficiency on issues and outcomes, costs saved (travel, accommodation, venue hire, catering) and – perhaps best of all – a lower carbon foot print!

For clients and stakeholders not based in Brussels, e-engagement opens up the possibility for access to EU policymakers that might not have been hitherto possible. This means that for any online meeting or event, clients can ensure that the ‘right’ colleague or colleagues attend the meeting. This is a win-win for both client and EU officials who are therefore able to consult directly with the experts.