Introduction
About the EEAC Network
EEAC stands for European Environment and Sustainable Development Advisory Councils. The EEAC Network brings together advisory bodies established by national or regional governments or parliaments. The network is currently made up of 19 advisory bodies from 14 European countries and regions. With representatives from academia, civil society, the private sector and public bodies, the network brings together experts from a wide range of different backgrounds.
The relevance of EU policymaking and exchange across Europe
EEAC members offer independent advice to their respective national or regional governments and parliaments related to climate change, the environment and sustainable development.
The EU plays a very important role in many of these policy areas. Some advisory councils advise national or regional actors on ongoing EU policy initiatives. In any case, all European Member States and regions are affected by EU legislation, funding mechanisms and other policy instruments once they come into effect. For example, once an EU directive is adopted, all Member states need to decide how best to implement it. Even in areas with little or no EU legislative competence, there may be value in exchanging views and knowledge across Europe, for example if regions and countries deal with similar challenges in the area of environment and sustainable development.
Governance of the EEAC Network
The EEAC network is set up as a foundation under Dutch law and supported by a small secretariat based in The Hague. The network is governed by the Annual Plenary Session (APS), which gathers all the member councils and is typically held in a hybrid format.
The APS elects a Board and decides on thematic Working Groups to facilitate the functioning of the network.
The Board consists of a chair, vice chairs, secretary and treasurer. The Working Groups are coordinated by Chairs also elected by the APS. Member councils and Working Groups typically come together in person at an Annual Conference hosted by one or several member councils.
Added Value
Cooperation and networking between advisory bodies across Europe can have many benefits:
Getting information about current EU policymaking: The EEAC shares knowledge about policies and new developments in the key areas such as sustainable development, environment, biodiversity, climate, health and agriculture. For example, members currently receive a weekly Green Deal update. Other formats include webinars with experts, working group exchanges and conferences.
Building networks with experts and policymakers: EEAC meetings, conferences and mailing lists provide the opportunity to get in touch with experts at EU level and from other countries working on relevant topics. The EEAC has active relationships with key institutions such as the European Commission, the European Council (through its Working Party on the Agenda 2030), the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Environment Agency, and the European Sustainable Development Network (ESDN), among others. It can therefore support individual members in communicating at EU level.
Collaborating on policy issues: Individual EEAC members often work on similar issues, e.g. sustainable development strategies, climate policy, planetary health or water policy. Through formats such as working groups, the EEAC newsletter and annual conference members identify common interests. In some instances, member councils decide to cooperate bilaterally or in groups (e.g. open letters to the European Commission, position papers, sharing knowledge). The EEAC as a network of all member council does not typically develop joint policy positions.
Exchanging about ways of working and good practice in policy advice: All EEAC member councils work at the interface between science and policymaking. They can therefore usefully exchange experiences and good practice on ways of working. Currently, there is a regular internal online exchange on topics such as stakeholder consultation, use of social media, dissemination strategies and visual communication.
