For a long time, the representatives of French interests in Brussels have suffered from considerable handicaps – the most serious of which is a distinct difference between the 'French-style' practice of exerting influence and the system of lobbying that exists at European level, as well as a lack of recognition for the political weight of EU institutions at the centre of decision-making circles in Paris.
According to Anne Houtman (former deputy head of cabinet under President Prodi), this French system of lobbying can still be described as a "lobbying of power rather than influence", relying too often upon the intervention of a minister within the Council rather than on initiatives meant to influence decision-makers at an early stage. Many of the conference's participants expressed the view that while this approach may still have been possible in the EU-15 but appears unsuitable in the context of a newly enlarged Union.
Judging by comments during the conference, things are developing positively. With an increasing proportion being "professionally born in Brussels" [according to an expression coined by Stephane Desselas, board director of the Public Affairs (PA) firm Athenora Consulting], French lobbyists operating at European level are now familiar with the rules of the game being played in the EU capital. However, many PA professionals agreed that this progress will not be fully capitalised on until they manage to convince their superiors that the work being done in Brussels is of the utmost importance to the interests they represent.
