Our expertise
Many ways to act
A public affairs strategy does not begin with a tool. It begins with a sound understanding of the situation, the actors and the balance of forces at play.
Mapping the dynamics
Institutions, actors, interests, narratives and power relations: everything intertwines, everything evolves.
We identify what is visible, what really shapes a decision and what is about to shift, so as to reveal the room for manoeuvre and the possible courses of action.
- Targeted monitoring of the EU institutions
- Stakeholder mapping and analysis of power relations
- Analysis of stakeholder and influence networks
- Decoding institutional and regulatory dynamics
Asserting legitimacy
Credibility is the first lever of influence.
We help our clients identify what underpins their legitimacy, structure their position and build the messages, arguments and evidence that give their voice the weight it needs in the European debate.
- Designing European influence strategies
- Building positions and lines of argument
- Producing advocacy content
- Managing studies, surveys and polls
- Strategic advice on European public affairs
Making a position heard
A well-founded position still needs to be heard.
We help our clients carry their message into the European institutional, media and public arena, at the right time, in the right form and to the right audiences.
- European institutional communication
- Relations with the European media in Brussels
- Preparing public statements and speeches
- Digital influence communication
- Creating infographics and communication materials
- Producing editorial and institutional content
Building coalitions
Influence grows stronger when it rests on solid alliances.
We identify converging interests, bring the relevant actors together and structure coalitions able to carry a common position over the long term.
- Setting up and running pan-European coalitions
- Bringing European stakeholders together
- Managing European associations and networks
- Setting up and developing representation offices in Brussels
- Introductions to the relevant stakeholders and decision-makers
- Designing collective lobbying strategies
- Running European institutional networks
Shifting the balance
A strategy only comes into its own when it has a real-world effect.
We activate the appropriate levers, coordinate actions and steer each campaign over time to change the terms of a debate, an institutional position or a European decision.
We act with integrity, method, judgement, discretion and commitment.
- Implementing influence strategies
- Running European campaigns
- Institutional and political mobilisation
- Organising European meetings and events
- Support with the expert groups of the EU institutions
- Reporting, evaluation and strategic follow-up
Passing on the craft of influence
Influence can be learnt, cultivated and passed on.
Through Athenora Academy, we train and coach public affairs teams so that they master the institutions, codes, networks and mechanisms of European influence.
- Training in lobbying and European public affairs
- Training in the EU institutions and decision-making processes
- Individual and team coaching for public affairs teams
- Preparation for speaking to institutions (lobby training)
- Developing strategic and interpersonal skills
- Designing tailored training programmes