Rethinking Credibility in the EU

The threshold for credible engagement in the EU has shifted. Based on our research with policymakers across EU institutions, expectations of external engagement have become more demanding and more practical over the past year. Policymakers are operating under increasing pressure to ensure the EU delivers on its objectives to be secure, competitive, and economically resilient despite financial and political constraints.

A more volatile geopolitical environment and growing economic pressure have accelerated a shift toward greater European resilience and self-reliance. In this context, organisations seeking to engage with and influence EU policymaking are expected to align with EU priorities as a baseline. Unlike in the past, when demonstrating an understanding of EU policy objectives or maintaining a presence in Brussels was often sufficient to establish credibility, policymakers now place greater weight on demonstrated commitment. This includes whether organisations are meaningfully embedded in the European economy, share exposure to the regulatory environment they seek to influence, provide clear and technically grounded input, and demonstrate a long-term commitment to Europe.

Policymakers indicated that engagement that is abstract, general, or driven primarily by positioning is less likely to inform decision-making. By contrast, input that is specific, evidence-based, and focused on improving how policy works in practice is more likely to be considered. This reflects a broader shift in how engagement is evaluated. Influence is increasingly built through sustained contribution, practical insight, and a clear alignment between an organisation’s presence in Europe and the positions it puts forward.

For more details and insights, download the full report below.