Questions and Answers about the EPACA

Q	Is EPACA a new organization?
A	The launch of EPACA in January 2005 was the first time the Brussels PA consultancies have agreed to a formal self-regulatory structure, with a professional practices panel and procedures to deal with any complaints.
Q	Have there been complaints or problems?
A	We are not aware of any such complaints, but we wish to stay ahead of the game and ensure we have the tools to support high professional standards in our industry.
Q	Why has EPACA been established?
A	This is a step in a process of discussion and consultation involving these companies, which have decided that a long-standing informal association (known as the ‘Code of Conduct Group’ or sometimes recently as Public Affairs Practitioners group) needs to be updated. The start of a new Commission and Parliament, and another enlargement, seemed like a good time to take this step, which was under discussion for several years.
Q	What is the background to this Code group?
A	12 years ago the PA consultancies came together informally and agreed a code of conduct for professional standards. The Chef de cabinet of the responsible Commissioner attended the launch meeting of this code and recommended it as a contribution to professional standards. Since then the Commission has published a data-base of signatories of this code, as information for its civil society interlocutors. The European Parliament (Quaestors and Secretariat General) were also informed of the new code and commended it to the extent that it was adopted as the basis of the code of conduct which is today Annexed to the Parliament’s rules of procedure and required to be signed by all applicants for permanent visitor passes to the Parliament.
Q	So do you need a new code if this one is so well-established?
A	We are not planning any changes in the Code itself, for the very reason that it has formed the basis for good professional practice in the Brussels marketplace for so long, with no demonstrated short-comings. It has the merit of being widely recognized and accepted, as well as being succinct and uncomplicated.
Q	So you think the existing Code is fine?
A	It can no doubt be improved on, and we will be looking at any need for clarification, and discussing this both among ourselves and with all interested parties. But changes in such a fundamental document should not be lightly embarked on and we certainly do not wish to promote confusion or duplication in professional codes for this area of activity, so we will move in a very careful, deliberate and consensual fashion if any changes are appropriate.
Q	Are there other professional bodies with similar codes?
A	There is an individual membership organization in Brussels, the Society of European Affairs Professionals (SEAP), which fulfils a different function. It originally adopted a code identical to ours, but recently we understand it has agreed and published a variation on this, without altering the fundamental principles. We will be consulting with them to avoid any unnecessary divergence or duplication.
Q	What is the difference between the roles of SEAP and EPACA?
A	The roles are different but complementary. EPACA is a representative trade association for professional public affairs consultancies active in the EU marketplace, with a code for which member companies themselves take responsibility on behalf of their staff. SEAP is individual membership, and includes consultancies, trade associations and corporations. There is some membership overlap (some 30 staff of EPACA member companies are also members of SEAP), which we believe will help ensure there is effective co-operation.