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European Union flag – public affairs in Brussels

Public affairs
and communication
for a changing Europe

We help organisations understand complex policy environments, shape credible positions and communicate with the stakeholders who matter.

Based in Brussels, we combine public affairs, advocacy strategy and strategic communication to support organisations operating at the nexus of policy, business and society.

What we do

We help clients:

  • Anticipate political and regulatory developments.
  • Build clear and credible policy positions.
  • Engage European institutions and stakeholder communities.
  • Translate technical issues into compelling narratives.
  • Strengthen reputation and visibility.
  • Build coalitions around shared objectives.
  • Communicate effectively across complex and contested issues.

About us

Experience at the intersection of policy and communication

A Great Step Forward is a Brussels-based consultancy supporting organisations in public affairs, advocacy and strategic communication.

AGSF-PA is led by Alain Mathuren, a communication and public affairs professional with extensive experience in European policy, association management, coalition-building and stakeholder engagement.

Our approach
We combine four capabilities:

  • Policy understanding: analysing legislation, political priorities and institutional dynamics.
  • Strategic thinking: defining objectives, audiences, messages and routes to influence.
  • Communication expertise: turning complex subjects into clear and persuasive content.
  • Stakeholder engagement: bringing together institutions, industry, experts, media and civil society.

Our work is pragmatic, evidence-based and focused on achieving measurable progress.

Public affairs consultants in a client meeting

Services

Advocacy and policy strategy

We help organisations understand complex policy environments, anticipate regulatory developments and define credible positions. We develop advocacy strategies, map institutions and stakeholders, prepare policy papers and briefing materials, support engagement with European and national decision-makers, and facilitate consultations, alliances and coalitions. We also provide strategic advice to associations and prepare clients for meetings, hearings and public events.

Communication strategy

We develop communication strategies that support policy objectives, strengthen reputation and build trust. Our work covers corporate and institutional communication, message and narrative development, media relations, spokesperson support, press and briefing materials, digital and social media, website and editorial content, internal communication, event outreach and campaigns addressing complex or sensitive issues.

Integrated campaigns

Public affairs and communication are most effective when they reinforce one another.
We connect advocacy and communication to create coherent, focused campaigns.

From defining objectives and mapping stakeholders to developing messages, coordinating engagement and assessing results, AGSF-PA provides strategic and practical support throughout the process.

Multi-stakeholder platforms

We help organisations with different interests work towards a common objective. Our support includes coalition and working group coordination, governance, stakeholder dialogue, common messaging, publications, institutional and media engagement, and the organisation of events and public demonstrations.

Speaker at a conference on energy, transport and technology

Sectors

Policy, regulation and communication support for organisations navigating the energy transition, the future of transport, renewable fuels, and technology.

  • Climate and Energy
  • Transport
  • Science, Technology and technical policy

Selected works

Working Group on Monitoring Methodologies

A cross-sector initiative examining how the use of CO₂-neutral fuels in road transport could be monitored and verified.

Role: Initiator and Chair of the Steering Group.

Contribution:

  • Coalition-building across the automotive and fuels value chains.
  • Coordination of stakeholder dialogue.
  • Development of policy-relevant reports.
  • Engagement with European institutions and Member States.
  • Communication of complex technical options.

The initiative has assessed 11 monitoring methodologies and developed work on both monitoring technologies and feedstock availability.

Tour d’Europe campaign

A European initiative showcasing the potential contribution of renewable fuels to transport decarbonisation.

Contribution:

  • Development of the project concept.
  • Coordination across companies, associations and institutions.
  • Stakeholder and policymaker engagement.
  • Public and media communication.
  • Events across European countries.
  • Demonstration of renewable-fuel solutions and monitoring approaches.
Brussels city skyline at night

Whether you need to clarify
a policy position, prepare an advocacy strategy, strengthen your communication or bring stakeholders together,
we can help.

Let’s discuss your next step.

Let’s discuss your next step