# EPACA: European Public Affairs Consultancies' Association

> EPACA is the representative body for public affairs consultancies working with EU institutions. It promotes ethical, transparent, and professional standards in the public affairs sector, and acts as the primary voice of the profession in Europe.

EPACA engages with EU institutions on lobbying and transparency issues, provides practical tools and resources for its members, and works to promote a positive image of public affairs consulting as a discipline that contributes to democratic and representative decision-making.

## Pages

- [Home](https://epaca.org/): Overview of EPACA's mission, key tools, member community, and latest news and events.
- [Public Affairs](https://epaca.org/public-affairs): Explains what public affairs is, its role in democratic participation, the EPACA Transparency Rulebook, and the Code of Conduct.
- [Members](https://epaca.org/members): Directory of EPACA member consultancies, membership benefits, joining process, and FAQ.
- [About Us](https://epaca.org/about-us): EPACA's mission and work, Board of Directors, and Secretariat team.
- [Partners](https://epaca.org/partners): EPACA's institutional and professional partners, and how to become a partner.
- [News & Events](https://epaca.org/news): Latest news, statements, position papers, and event announcements from EPACA.
- [Transparency Rulebook](https://epaca.org/rulebook): Comprehensive overview of rules and policies applicable to public affairs consultancies engaging with EU institutions.
- [GDPR e-tool](https://epaca.org/gdpr-etool): Tool supporting EPACA members in creating GDPR-compliant stakeholder mappings.
- [Code of Conduct e-tool](https://epaca.org/portal): Interactive tool providing practical scenarios to help members understand and apply the EPACA Code of Conduct.

## Key Concepts

**Public affairs** connects policymakers with the stakeholders affected by their decisions. It enables organisations to contribute expertise, evidence, and perspectives to the policy process. Public affairs consultancies are strategic advisers, not access brokers, helping clients navigate political and regulatory developments in a structured, responsible, and transparent manner.

**Transparency** is a professional responsibility for EPACA members, not merely a compliance requirement. It ensures accountability, trust, and informed engagement in EU policymaking.

**Code of Conduct**, adopted in 2005 and regularly reviewed, sets binding ethical and professional standards for all EPACA members. It is structured around three pillars: Transparency and Public Engagement, Integrity and Professional Standards, and Client and Stakeholder Relations. Enforcement may include guidance, formal sanctions, or termination of membership.

**Transparency Rulebook**, regularly updated, outlines the rules and requirements public affairs consultants must adhere to when engaging with EU institutions.

## Organisation

EPACA is governed by a Board of Directors and supported by a permanent Secretariat. The Chairwoman is Isabelle De Vinck. Membership is open to public affairs consultancies committed to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

## Contact

Website: https://epaca.org  
Member area: https://epaca.org/member-area

Sitemap: https://epaca.org/sitemap.xml