How NGOs influence the process of policymaking: is direct lobbying a crucial determinant of success?

Abstract

The relevance of NGOs' lobbying activity is rising within the EU institutional sphere, and the power of these actors in influencing political outcomes is generally related to their ability to mobilize public opinion; however, the recent shift in institutional political interests, as well as the NGOs' need for credibility and legitimacy, has demonstrated the advantages of developing punctual and long-term contacts with policymakers. This poses questions about the effectiveness of direct strategies used by these actors to obtain success. Through the understanding of the resources-dependency theory rooted in pluralist studies, interest groups are essential actors within a democratic institutional system building relations based on reciprocity. Measured through a quantitative approach and utilizing a regression analysis on data from 41 legislative proposals submitted by the EU between 2008 and 2010 as part of the INTEREURO project, this research paper demonstrates empirically the relevance of direct lobbying for NGOs. Through a continuous measure of success that considers the reversion point, the study shows that this is expected to be higher for more resourceful organizations and when lobbying on ordinary legislative processes. Results have implications for studies on EU decision-making and the role...