Mr Le Clercq - President

Since its creation in 1994, EIPAL has been the first school to provide high level evening training courses. These courses are specifically oriented towards the practice of lobbying and EU Affairs, where more than 500 students have already attended.

Approximately one third of the legislation enforced by the 25 EU member states is based on community laws which are enacted in Brussels. Two-thirds of the proposals, decisions and implementation of the European resolutions are affected under the direct influence of lobbyists. As a result, thousands of European Public Affairs specialists have settled in Brussels where they actively operate. Today, there are between three to five thousand interest groups operating in the European circles of Brussels. They generate an annual turnover of Euro 200 million, and employ more than 15.000 persons. They are called "Lobbyists" after an American tradition.

What could be said about a profession in constant evolution and of growing importance, with enormous economic and political implications, without a proper training?
If the dialogue between the European Institutions and the groups which represent economic or ideological interests is based on sound ethical rules, it is to be considered an indispensable form of democratic participation.

This thought led to the creation of a school which can provide participants with hands-on training on the labyrinth of the Communication of Influence, commencing by understanding the role, function, the conditions and the environment under which European Institutions operate and arriving at the explanation of the role that the companies, business sector, interest groups and non-governmental entities can have on the decision making process of the European Community. This unique non profit making school is the first of its kind in Brussels