Lietuvos grupių interesai Briuselyje: kelionėje be interesų grupių?
Representing Lithuanian interest in Brussels: a journey without interest groups?

Summary/Abstract: Article examines the ongoing process of interest group institutionalization and interest – State relationship in Lithuania after the delegation of policy-making competencies to the supranational (EU) level. Europeanisation, which stands for the adoption of values, policy styles and knowledge by the EU-based interest community, is viewed as a major source of organisational change in the system of interest groups. Due to structural and perceptive factors, business, labour and public interest groups respond differently to the new lobbying opportunities present at the EU level. Article acknowledges problems of compatibility between EU and national interest arenas. Three alternatives: national “route”, direct representation and supplementary lobbying in Brussels are discussed and compared. Article looks at ways how cooperation of interest groups and the State could benefit a member state’s European policymaking and strengthen negotiating power. It invites for changes in European affairs coordination system to transform it into a consultative arena.

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