A well-researched and unique account, this volume provides an in-depth assessment of the European Commission consultation exercises from a novel perspective, namely from a set of criteria inspired by deliberative democracy theories. Examining what happens in concrete instances of consultation, this investigation also chronicles a series of related issues such as environmental governance, policy implementation, and the better regulation framework. Via case studies and analysis, this investigation allows for a greater understanding of the interaction between the European Commission and interest groups.

This book is a collection of essays that analyse and discuss EU information and communication policies and activities towards, with, by different publics developed both by the EU institutions at the European, national and local levels and by public organizations and civil society actors. Throughout six thematic parts, the authors examine from different theoretical perspectives (political communication, journalism, public relations and public diplomacy, political science, and cultural studies) and reflect on what it means for the European Union to communicate in multi-national and multi-cultural settings. The originality and strength of this book stand on the capacity to discuss EU communication policies, strategies and actions in their diverse features and, at the same time, to have a clear general picture of the role and function that communication has within the European Union’s governance. The combination of different theoretical frameworks with the latest empirical research findings makes this book a fresh and fascinated collection of insights of what the European Union can achieve with strategic communications.