FOREIGN LOBBYING

At the heart of the EU in Brussels, and across European capitals, public relations professionals and lobbying consultants are working on behalf of foreign governments and/or foreign entities. While some firms and lobbyists working for these clients in Brussels are entered in the EU’s voluntary Transparency Register, others do not appear on it at all, and those that do may be omitting controversial clients. Even where they are registered, many of the budgets claimed may be inaccurate. As a result, it is almost impossible for the public to find reliable information about who all the firms or the governments in question are, how much they spend, what they are lobbying about, and whether they are successful in their aims.

The work of public relations, media communications, branding, and lobbying are all essentially about telling a story about the values and ethics of the clients, about who they are, what they represent, why one might want to ally with them, and what they stand for. Managing the message is a key component in the exercise of power. Its very purpose is to create financial and political support for a regime at home and abroad.

Top PR Firms involved in Foreign Lobbying

• Acanchi: Established in 2003 as an independent and privately owned London based consultancy. Acanchi delivers tailored positioning strategy solutions for countries, regions and cities and is a pioneer in the field of developing holistic country positioning strategies. Acanchi has advised the governments of Lebanon, Zambia, Bahrain, Isle of Man, Dominican Republic, Mauritius, Rwanda, Dubai and Israel. Acanchi also advised on positioning strategies for country flagship brands including Dubai’s World Expo 2020 bid and Israel’s Fuel Choices Initiative. Clients come to Acanchi for many reasons. Externally, they may wish to enhance their nation’s standing in the world for, commercial, political, social or cultural development. Internally, they may wish to bind diverse groups within their nation together by creating a consensus around a more precisely expressed sense of identity and shared values.
• Alber & Geiger: Alber & Geiger’s Diplomacy service supports governments, companies and NGOs to navigate the complex and changing worlds of geopolitics and global economics. Communicates clients' interests and problems politically, works with top executives and government officials to achieve their strategic goals with the necessary political support. Works for clients in the policy making processes of the international political power hubs, the world capitals and International Organizations. Provides clients with political intelligence, political risk assessment and market entry support. Advises clients on government relations, assists clients coalition building, global positioning and trade relations. Helps clients to overcome potential antitrust and regulatory barriers. Guides clients through treaty developments and investment policies.
• APCO
• Bell Pottinger
• BGR Gabara: Specializes in four core services: Pan-European government relations services, principally in London and Brussels, Media relations across Europe, Political campaign management and Financial services communications
• Brunswick
• BTP Advisers: Specialise in pro-active media relations, public relations, political and issues-based campaigning and social media and Internet communications. Acting for countries, parties, companies and people in the UK, Continental Europe, and the opportunity markets of Africa and BRIC.
• Burson Marsteller
• Cambre Associates
• Consultum Communications: Consultum Communications ist eine Beratungsgesellschaft mit Sitz in Berlin. Als kompetenter Begleiter und verlässlicher Partner steht Consultum Communications Unternehmen und Verbänden ebenso zur Seite wie internationalen Organisationen und in- und ausländischen Regierungen
• DLA Piper
• Edelman
• Eurofuture: Specializes in institutional strategy and public communication. Delivers solutions for Public Diplomacy, Business Diplomacy and Media Intelligence. With a tangible support to the client’s communication strategy, addresses clients’ needs to increase awareness and develop influence. Clients include governments, national agencies, international organizations, multilateral institutions and business federations
• GPlus
• Havas Worldwide
• Hill and Knowlton
• Ketchum
• Kreab Gavin Anderson
• Portland Communications: Strategic communications for the digital age. Helping major brands, governments, campaign organisations and high-profile individuals tell their story clearly and successfully. Trusted by corporate, public and not-for-profit clients to advise on strategic communications, public affairs and digital engagement.
• Prime Policy Group: Mastering the economic and political complexities in the global market requires an intimate knowledge of diverse political systems, legislative procedures and enforcement mechanisms. Prime Policy Group, with affiliate offices in London, Brussels and Berlin—and with connections around the globe—offers this type of international reach. Foreign Market Strengths: Europe, Japan, Africa, the Balkans, and Caribbean Basin countries.
• Weber Shandwick