Extra-parliamentary groups: lobbies

Politicians will take into account the opinions of important movements that enjoy major public support, such as trade unions, the farming sector or the Royal Dutch Touring Club (ANWB). Some of these organisations are represented in official advisory bodies, which the Government or Parliament often consult before taking a decision on a matter. Examples of such bodies are the Social and Economic Council (SER) or the Education Council of the Netherlands (De Onderwijsraad).