Better Europe

Better Europe Public Affairs is a consultancy firm established in 2017, dedicated to providing legislative advocacy support to European Union (EU) civil society organizations, aiming to create a #BetterEurope. The firm assists clients in understanding and influencing the impact of EU policies on their organizations, regardless of their location. (bettereurope.eu ) The founder, Joost Mulder, is an independent Public Affairs expert with 20 years of experience and a robust network within the "Brussels bubble" and civil society. His background includes roles as a political assistant to a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), a financial industry lobby consultant, and head of advocacy at the NGO Finance Watch. Joost possesses detailed knowledge of EU decision-making processes and extensive lobbying experience, including trilogues, Council negotiations, delegated legislation, and the implementation of EU legislation. He is also a member of the European Commission’s Financial Services User Group for the Belgian NGO FairFin. In addition to his native Dutch, Joost is fluent in English and French. (bettereurope.eu ) The team includes Yiorgos Vassalos, who advises clients on financial services and sustainable finance. Yiorgos is a financial regulation expert with a PhD from Strasbourg University on the landmark MiFID II legislation. He has extensive experience in EU affairs, including roles as an advocacy officer for a Brussels-based NGO and a trainee in the European Parliament. Yiorgos speaks Greek, English, and French. (bettereurope.eu ) Another key team member is Chaïma El Azizi, who joined Better Europe in 2024 as a consultant. Chaïma holds a double bachelor’s degree in law and political science from Sorbonne University and a Master’s degree in European Political and Governance Studies from the College of Europe. She previously worked with the NGO CliMates, gaining knowledge in climate policies and sustainability advocacy. Chaïma speaks French, English, and Spanish. (bettereurope.eu ) Better Europe offers a comprehensive range of services to help organizations understand and influence EU policies. These services are typically divided into two phases: Start-up Phase : This initial phase involves an impact assessment to map ongoing and future EU policy initiatives relevant to the organization. It includes strategic planning, stakeholder mapping, and training and coaching sessions to equip clients with the necessary tools to engage effectively in the EU policy environment. (bettereurope.eu ) Campaign Phase : In this phase, Better Europe assists clients in engaging regularly with relevant EU decision-makers. Services include policy monitoring, policy development, logistical support for organizing contact programs with EU decision-makers, and direct representation of the organization’s interests. (bettereurope.eu ) Additionally, Better Europe provides national public affairs services aimed at influencing national decision-makers in the Netherlands and Belgium, leveraging their extensive network in Dutch and Belgian national politics. (bettereurope.eu ) The firm's mission is to provide legislative advocacy support to EU civil society organizations to make a #BetterEurope. (bettereurope.eu ) Better Europe is located at Rue de la Loi 235 box 27, 1040 Brussels, Belgium, on the corner of the Cinquantenaire Park, 100 meters from the Schuman roundabout. They can be contacted at +32 2 319 4571. (bettereurope.eu )