Social movement campaigns on EU policy : in the corridors and in the streets

Abstract

This book investigates if and how social movement campaigns influence European policy, a particularly pertinent question in today's political climate of disillusionment with Europe in many member states. Using a range of campaigns launched by social movement organisations, from genetically modified organisms and Internet freedom to trade union rights and water rights, Parks elucidates the important differences between technical and political campaigns. Technical campaigns are characterised by extended engagement with consultation mechanisms and the production of expert information, particularly for the European Commission. In political campaigns, social movement organisations target the EU at national and local levels, using strategies reminiscent of social movements as they are more commonly known. A comparison of the campaigns suggests that targeting member state governments with protest and harnessing public opinion is central to securing influence over EU policy, and that where national and local levels are made integral to efforts in shaping European policy, influence is more likely.