MEPs reform press office to revamp image

Date: 29/02/1996

A SHAKE-UP in the European Parliament's information and press service is expected to be agreed in the next fortnight as the institution aims to improve projection of its image and activities to a wider public.

Ideas being considered involve a daily parliamentary news bulletin, greater use of English in media statements, closer cooperation between the written press and audio-visual departments, and the possible use of outside experts to promote MEPs' views on policy.

“We need to sharpen our profile and instead of trying to follow everything the Parliament does, the press service should focus on specific topical issues and perhaps highlight controversial areas where MEPs are taking a stand,” suggested one senior official.

Changes to the strategy have been drafted by the Parliament's Secretary-General Enrico Vinci on the basis of a report by outside consultants Hill and Knowlton analysing the impact of existing policies. They were examined by senior MEPs yesterday (28 February) and a decision is likely when the Parliament meets in March.