Best consultancies

Brussels Office Since

2003

Firm Description

We are a Brussels-based influence strategy firm with over two decades of experience at the heart of EU policymaking.
We craft and execute bespoke strategies that empower our clients to actively shape and navigate the European Union’s legislative and regulatory landscape.

Our services are tailored to deliver strategic impact across every stage of the EU decision-making process:

• Strategic Intelligence – In-depth monitoring and analysis of the evolving EU policy and regulatory environment.
• Narrative: Crafting clear, persuasive messages aligned with institutional priorities and political momentum.
• Influence: Designing innovative, high-impact lobbying strategies adapted to the EU’s multifaceted and competitive arena.
• Coalition: Creating and managing broad, effective coalitions to amplify influence and credibility.

Ownership Structure

Athenora Consulting is an independent company with 3 partners. Stéphane Desselas, Founder and President, Natacha Clarac, General director and Thomas Dorget, Director.

International Network

Athenora Consulting is a member of the Public Relation Global Network since 2007 (PRGN (https://prgn.com/). Worldwide, PRGN has more than 50 independent agencies.

Key Strengths

We challenge convention to drive innovation—developing bold ideas, strategies, and concepts that enlarge the boundaries of influence in Brussels.
Our expertise spans three interconnected pillars:

• Athenora Consulting – Strategic EU lobbying and influence design.
• Athenora Coaching – Executive training and leadership development in EU affairs.
• Athenora Academy – Capacity building and knowledge transfer for tomorrow’s EU actors.

Number of Public Affairs Consultants

6

Key Clients

Aéma Groupe- ADEME – Cercle des Réseaux européens – Cercle Europe et Technologies du Futur – Cercle Europe et Politiques Sociales – Cigref – CNGTC (Greffiers des Tribunaux de commerce) – CNCPI (Compagnie Nationale des Conseils en PI) – Fondation pour le droit continental – FNCCR – La Poste – MAF agro – VYV – VINCI.

Thought Leadership

Over the years, we have been developing what we like to call our own “Athenora DNA”. Our core values are transparency, professionalism, and a strong ethical vision. As part of our ethical approach and vision of the democratic process, we developed the idea of a “Government-appointed lobbyists”. We select our causes, and we deliberately choose not to work for certain sectors. Besides, Athenora Consulting has been supporting several pro bono causes for years. Dedicated to help businesses finding their way in the EU complex arena, Athenora is known for the books written by its partners on successful EU lobbying sur as “Les règles d’or du lobbying.” Partners are regular lecturer on lobbying strategies in various universities including SciencePo, ENA, IHEDN, ICP … Athenora’s team conduct studies and share analysis providing critical intelligence to various organizations. Read more at  http://www.athenora.com/en/

Testimonials and why clients like to work with us

Clients choose us – and stay with us- because we combine strategic clarity with long-term vision and partnership.

Our clients trust us because we operate with a relentless sense of excellence and unwavering senior-level commitment

They value:
• The clash of ideas that sharpens strategy and drives innovation
• Clear-eyed, actionable advice rooted in deep EU expertise
• Enduring relationships built on trust, transparency, and shared success