APRI Launches New Office in the Canary Islands to Enhance Public Affairs Engagement

The Association of Professionals in Institutional Relations (APRI) has officially inaugurated its new regional office in the picturesque Canary Islands, marking a significant step towards strengthening public affairs in this unique archipelago. This initiative is designed to foster greater collaboration among professionals in the field and to elevate the standards of public affairs practice in the region.

Enhancing the Public Affairs Landscape

APRI, which boasts a membership of over 300 professionals and nearly 30 organizations dedicated to institutional relations, public affairs, and lobbying throughout Spain, has established this new delegation to enhance the public affairs sector specifically within the Canary Islands. The organization is committed to engaging a broader spectrum of professionals, thereby enriching the local public affairs community. This initiative is not just about growth; it is also about maintaining a steadfast commitment to ethics and transparency in all dealings.

Local Leaders Show Support at Inauguration

The inauguration event, which received backing from the company 22GRADOS, was attended by a diverse group of industry professionals and members of the Canarian Parliament. Among the notable attendees were José Miguel Barragán from the Canarian Coalition and Luz Reverón from the People’s Party (PP). The presence of APRI’s Vice-President, Irene Matías, and General Director, Jorge Aliende, underscored the importance of this new office as they expressed their support for the newly formed team in the Canary Islands.

During her remarks, Matías highlighted the distinctive economic, social, and political landscape of the Canary Islands. She emphasized the necessity of enhancing the visibility and recognition of local public affairs professionals. “Our goal is to normalize and professionalize the representation of interests,” she stated, “while fostering a more open and transparent dialogue among institutions, businesses, and civil society.” This vision is crucial for the development of a robust public affairs framework in the region.

Collaboration with Government Officials

Prior to the public launch, APRI’s leadership engaged in a significant meeting with Antonio Llorens, the Deputy Councillor for Public Administration and Transparency of the Canary Government. This meeting was pivotal as it revolved around the recently proposed draft legislation for Open Government, which aims to establish specific regulations governing the influence of public decisions.

During this discussion, APRI provided valuable insights and recommendations regarding the regulation of interest representation activities. The overarching goal is to contribute to the establishment of a legal framework that promotes transparency, integrity, and accountability in the interactions between institutions, businesses, and civil society. This framework is anticipated to be addressed by the autonomous chamber in the near future, reflecting a proactive approach to governance.

Learning from Successful Models

The establishment of APRI Canarias is part of a broader strategy that has seen the successful creation of similar delegations in Brussels and Catalonia. This expansion reflects APRI’s commitment to supporting professionals in various regions and adapting to the unique needs of each locale. The new delegation is already in the planning stages for a series of forums and activities aimed at expanding its member network and further professionalizing the public affairs sector within the islands.

About APRI: A Commitment to Professionalism

Founded in 2007, APRI has been a steadfast advocate for professionals engaged in institutional relations, public affairs, and lobbying across Spain. The organization is dedicated to elevating the status of the profession and raising awareness of its significance among public authorities, policymakers, and leaders of various organizations, including businesses and NGOs. APRI firmly believes that effective institutional relations should bridge the legitimate interests of civil society with the decisions made by political officials and public authorities.

With a membership that exceeds 300 professionals and 29 organizations nationwide, APRI champions the regulation of public affairs activities, akin to the Transparency Register utilized by European institutions. Furthermore, APRI is a founding member of the European Public Affairs Platform (Public Affairs Community of Europe – PACE), which was established in 2018 to unite national organizations of public affairs professionals across Europe. This affiliation underscores APRI’s commitment to fostering a collaborative environment for public affairs professionals on a continental scale.

Key points

• APRI has launched a new regional office in the Canary Islands.
• The organization represents over 300 professionals and nearly 30 organizations in Spain.
• The delegation aims to enhance public affairs and attract more professionals.
• Local leaders from the Canarian Parliament attended the launch event.
• APRI is committed to promoting ethics and transparency in public affairs.
• The organization has established similar offices in Brussels and Catalonia.
• APRI is a founding member of the European Public Affairs Platform (PACE).