We help businesses become visible in Brussels

Mrs. Mihova, let’s go beyond the clichés and negative connotations. What should the public really know about the lobbying profession?

Yes, to the general public, the lobbying profession is shrouded in mystery. In reality, it is a responsible activity that works on important strategic issues affecting our daily lives. A good reputation is key to the success of our business. We define ourselves as a bridge between European institutions, the private sector and society. Our task is to help find lasting solutions to complex problems. We encourage constructive dialogue, with the right participants in it, to achieve a balanced outcome. The EU institutions need to listen to businesses, because they often make proposals for new regulations with noble intentions. But a lack of understanding of the aftereffects can lead to disaster. Businesses must also be proactive in the process and inform and support their positions with solid evidence and analysis.

Will stricter regulation and greater publicity help lobbyism acquire a more positive image? Or is something else needed?

It is important to have a clear framework for exercising the lobbying profession. We at EPPA have a strict code of ethics that we adhere to. At EU level, there is no clear framework apart from the EU Transparency Register. As in any other field, a good name is very important in our sector. I would even say that along with the necessary professionalism, reputation is key for our work to be effective. Those of us that adhere to this principle follow the rules, and this is widely known both to our clients and to the representatives of the institutions. Making decisions in Brussels is a complex process and our clients need to trust a specialist who can successfully guide them through this maze.

How can lobbying companies like yours, working with European and other international institutions, help Bulgarian businesses to protect their interests in Brussels?

We successfully work with Bulgarian clients, and I want to thank them for their trust. We can offer Bulgarian business a wide range of support - information, analyses, strategic recommendations, we can identify opportunities for companies to contribute to consultation processes and make their voice heard in Brussels. Many companies rely on the Bulgarian professional associations, which are usually well informed, but in turn rely on the European professional associations to protect their interests. Often, however, the positions of these entities in Brussels are reduced to the average common denominator, not always reflecting the specific situation and challenges at the national level. Bulgarian businesses and professional associations have their place in European debates though. Especially now, when we are at the beginning of the new political cycle. And here is the time and place for EPPA to help them become visible to the institutions in Brussels, with their specific important issues searching for solutions.

What positive examples from your work as a consultant would you point out as key to protecting Bulgarian interests on important topics?

An interesting example is our help in organizing a conference for MEPs and European Commission staff in May 2023 in the city of Kazanlak. The topic was highly complex, technical and related to the revision of the Classification, Labeling and Packaging (CLP) regulation of chemicals. The proposed legislative changes threatened the production of essential oils. This Bulgarian industry, together with other producers from France and Spain, undertook extraordinary activity in order to attract political attention to this matter of national importance. We helped to identify the MEPs and EC officials who were important in solving this issue, prepared the conference and the keynote messages highlighting the importance of the topic and its impact on Bulgarian producers. The result was positive and thanks to all joint efforts, at EU and national level, the text was amended.

Are lobbying activities more necessary today in view of the heavy bureaucratic procedures in European institutions and the complexity and dynamics of decision-making processes?

Definitely yes. In order to proactively participate in the formation of EU policy and legislation, it is important to know this process well, and to know whom to approach and with what arguments. It is not easy, but we help businesses in this direction. Our European Training Institute (ETI) is dedicated to training professionals to orient themselves in the EU labyrinth. Unfortunately, the complexity of EU legislation is such that it is very difficult for companies to keep up with all the political and legislative changes. Many businesses are not fully informed or miss out on important legislative proposals that, once enacted, have a major impact on their business. We offer comprehensive and tailored monitoring to our clients to ensure that important offers are not missed. And that's not enough. The texts are a real puzzle - very often referring to other pieces of legislation. For a small and medium-sized company, all this is difficult to understand. Even companies with large teams are struggling. And here comes our role in helping them.

The book "European Lobbyists" by Daniel Guéguen, called "the longest-serving lobbyist in the EU", was recently published in Bulgaria, and you are the author of the foreword. What are some valuable lessons contained within?

I have had the pleasure of working with Daniel for years and draw from his wealth of experience. From the very first lines, the book plunges us into the heart of the challenges facing the EC and offers an insightful analysis of its evolution. The book is a sincere read that acknowledges the positive aspects, but does not spare the criticisms, including towards the institutions and the industry. “European Lobbyists” is a true practical guide to our profession - how to become an effective lobbyist by learning from mistakes and drawing inspiration from good examples. It is important for Bulgarian readers to realize that industry representatives and non-governmental organizations, large and small, have their importance and role at the European level. All those who are interested in the topic will have the opportunity to discuss these issues at a book signing and a pleasant conversation with the author on 2 December at 6:00 p.m. at the Grand Sofia Hotel.