An interview with Ing. Petr Osvald (CSSD), Representative attive off tthe he C Czech z Republic
THE LOBBYIST
IN BRUSSELS MUST SIMPLY HAVE A SUITCASE FULL OF ARGUMENTS INSTEAD OF MONEY Photo: Archive
A significant Czech representative in the Committee of the Regions and the man, who – as not many people in this countr y – knows the ways how lobbying works in the EU institutions, such is Petr Osvald (CSSD). In the interview for EurActiv Czech Republic he displays topics such as chances of obtaining a resident Galileo satellite li system, the principles of successful lobbyists and the importance of the reputation of the Member States. In this context, he attacks the Entropa project, which he describes as “a complete faux pas”. You work as one of the several Czech representatives in the Committee of Regions; however it is only an advisory body. Do you feel that this institution has, in the European structures, any real influence or is it just a small fish on the political map of the Union? Firstly, it must be said that the role of the Committee of Regions (COR) is mainly to comment on the proposed European legislation, from the perspective of cities, municipalities and regions. The Effect of the COR has increased recently, which is significant from the increasing interest of Commissioners and senior officials of the European Commission to participate in its meetings. Actually, it is in your hands how you are able to benefit from this institution, which means, it depends on your ability to promote your interests into the stand-points, and how you are able to present them in front of the European Commission and other EU institutions. Although I need to make clear one thing; by means of the Committee of the Regions you cannot for example push through a sewage in your town. You need to promote the interests
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