European affairs

In July 2021, Next Step Influence’s European office joined ADIT, a leading European strategic intelligence group. This integration has strengthened the firm’s capabilities in key areas: regulatory monitoring, business ethics, economic diplomacy, public affairs, security, exports, political analysis and the development of influence networks.

A committed, international and connected team

Led by Anne-Laure Cattelot, a former French MP and expert on industrial and European issues, the team is made up of six consultants based in Brussels who are agile, experienced, multilingual and fully committed to their clients. The team is international and works in French, English, German, Dutch, Spanish and Italian.

Depending on the expertise required, it draws on the services of ESL’s extensive network of senior advisors and ADIT, including Arnaud de Bresson, former CEO of Paris Europlace, Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, former Secretary General of the Quai d’Orsay, and former ministers from the French Ministry of Finance. This network provides strategic access to key areas such as Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

A political consultancy for complex influence strategies

We are first and foremost a political consultancy, capable of shifting the positions of Member States and steering complex lobbying strategies. We contribute to the development of our clients’ network, connections and influence in Brussels, working closely with European capitals.

Interest representation and institutional access

Specialising in defending its clients’ interests before French, European and international institutions, Next Step Influence draws on an exceptional political network in Brussels and Paris. This direct access to public decision-makers and influential figures enables the firm to influence decision-making processes and anticipate major political and regulatory developments.

Our support covers strategic sectors such as industry, transport, aeronautics, defence, energy and financial services, and extends to institutions outside the EU.

Tailor-made, high-impact strategies

Whether helping industrial groups anticipate complex regulations, supporting transport players facing sustainable mobility policies, or defending the interests of risk management and security companies confronted with demanding environmental standards, Next Step Influence designs tailor-made, innovative and results-oriented strategies.

Our strength lies in our in-depth understanding of political systems and proven experience in the field, enabling us to provide personalised strategic advice and the ability to anticipate developments, which is essential in a constantly changing environment.

Institutional communication and influence

Our institutional communication campaigns are targeted, effective and aligned with political priorities: direct dialogue with public officials, interaction with parliamentary committees, targeted institutional partnerships, etc. We ensure that our clients’ voices are heard where decisions are made.

Our unique expertise in political and institutional communication enables us to develop comprehensive strategies, based on a carefully managed reputation, to support companies, governments, international organisations and public figures in achieving their objectives in sensitive contexts.

Structured international coverage

With a long-standing presence in Paris, a strategic office in Brussels and branches in Rabat and Dubai, Next Step Influence offers first-rate international coverage. This network enables us to anticipate political, economic and social dynamics at European, regional and global levels.

We mobilise all the necessary levers: channels of influence, targeted meetings, high value-added campaigns, reputation surveys and due diligence to respond to the most complex issues with concrete, reliable and immediately actionable recommendations.

An integrated approach for concrete results

This combination of agility, expertise and institutional roots enables Next Step Influence to offer an integrated approach to European public affairs: from political analysis to strategic communication and international influence, including interest representation, enabling our clients to position themselves, convince others and achieve tangible results where it matters most.

Tailor-made support for all sectors and needs

Next Step Influence supports individual clients and organisations in all sectors of activity and for a variety of purposes: lobbying, event organisation, regulatory analysis, defining and implementing influence strategies, seeking European funding and supporting submitted projects.