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Our resources are split between Maidstone and Brussels as
follows:
- the Kent Brussels Office is the focus for European policy
information, delegation, lobbying visits and profile raising
- staff in Maidstone have many years experience in advising
businesses and institutions on European funding, partnership
working, project development and specialised project
implementation.
Staff from both Maidstone and Brussels are in constant
communication with EU officials and are keen to share their
expertise with Kent based organisations.
Here is a list of our
current partners.
Benefits of joining the Kent European Partnership
Increased profile
Through constant contact with key policy and decision makers in
Brussels and the UK, the team is able to raise awareness of the
issues facing partners on an ongoing basis. One of the first tasks
we do is to represent Kent in an international context. This means
promoting the 'Kent brand' and making sure that international
contacts have a positive image of Kent. But this positive image
should not hide the fact that parts of Kent are lagging behind both
EU and UK averages and these parts of Kent also require
support.
The International Affairs Group is well placed to get key issues
for Kent on the EU agenda and we have managed to develop a profile
for Kent in many areas, such as:
- migration
- cross-border activities
- projects and policies
- health and transport issues including Operation Stack
- the future of Ashford International station.
Lobbying powers
We can enable your organisation to lobby EU institutions on
issues that are important to you.
Lobbying does not just include the EU organisations. It can also
include National Government via contacts with the UK Permanent
Representation in Brussels, as well as regional bodies such as the
Government Office for the South East (GOSE) and regional
organisations.
Access to knowledge, expertise and contacts with ongoing
European 'Intelligence'
This includes:
- knowledge about the work programme of the EU institutions and
the impact this will have on partner organisations/districts/local
areas
- knowledge about EU funding opportunities and contracts
- expertise in how to prioritise your European needs
- expertise in how to react to policy development or to
proactively influence policy decisions
- expertise in developing project proposals, relevant
partnerships and on how to apply to European funding
programmes
- partner searches for European programmes
- researching best practice in other European
regions/organisations
- expertise in managing European projects
- contacts in the European Commission, the European Parliament
and a number of other regional offices, interest groups, UK
government representations and business support organisations in
Brussels. Details and links can be found under
contacts.
A base in Brussels
As part of the partnership, you and your colleagues can use the
facilities of the
Kent Brussels Office when going about your business in the
capital of Europe.
Delegation and 'study visits'
We can arrange a delegation trip or study visit to Brussels to
increase your organisation's awareness of the Brussels institutions
and how they affect you. We can put you in touch with:
- Members of the European Parliament
- Commission officials
- UK Government Departments
- other regional offices
- business support organisations.
Workshops, seminars and other events
We can organise workshops, presentations, seminars and events to
showcase the achievements of your organisation or lobby for access
to EU funding programmes.
How to join
When you join the partnership you will first meet our
partnership officer, who will discuss with you the ways the Kent
European Partnership can help you in achieving your European
aims.
A service level agreement will then be drawn up with
quantifiable action points that are reviewed on a quarterly basis.
We will stay in regular contact with you throughout the term of the
agreement.
For further information contact the partnership officer using
the details opposite. |