Europe: The top 10 most influential public affairs firms in international relations

John Fitzgerald Kennedy once said: “Lobbyists are in many cases expert technicians and capable of explaining complex and difficult subjects in a clear, understandable fashion.”

In the increasingly intertwined world of international relations, lobbying and public affairs firms have become an essential pillar in shaping transnational policies, influencing EU regulations, and fostering meaningful exchanges among governments, corporations, and institutional bodies. This overview presents the top 10 most influential firms, based on direct industry observation and open-source information, focusing on those not tied to law firms and prioritizing pure, integrated approaches combining communication, advocacy, and strategy. These organizations—born in diverse contexts but sharing Europe as their central hub—represent the evolution of an industry that moves billions and tackles growing global challenges.

The ranking emphasizes global reach, networks beyond EU borders (toward the United States, the Middle East, and Asia, for example), the caliber of professionals involved, and their impact on key issues such as trade, climate, regulatory policy, and international relations, while giving only marginal weight to company revenues.

Among these leaders stands Covington & Burling LLP, headquartered in Brussels with offices across 13 countries. The firm excels in managing U.S.–EU relations, particularly in advocacy around artificial intelligence and trade disputes, with an approach that emphasizes economic diplomacy to shape global technology standards. Working with a team of specialists in economic diplomacy, it facilitates transatlantic agreements and helps craft global norms on technology and privacy, adapting swiftly to evolving digital policy frameworks. Its ability to anticipate regulatory trends makes it a key reference point for companies operating in complex transnational environments, further strengthening its leadership through strategic partnerships with international organizations.

DCI Group, founded in Washington, D.C. in 1996, is a veteran independent public affairs firm known for communication strategy, coalition management, and relationship-building. Having been involved in some of the most significant political campaigns in U.S. history, its strength lies in a grassroots approach that combines digital advocacy with targeted campaigns to influence policy at both federal and international levels. In 2025, it continued to expand its global influence, signing major agreements to rebuild relations among nations and stakeholders. Excelling in crisis consulting, it offers strategic advisory services that navigate geopolitical complexity, making it a key actor for entities seeking resilience in unstable environments. Its presence now extends well beyond the U.S., with networks in Europe (including Brussels) and Asia for multilateral projects, and it also works closely with the EU delegation in the U.S.

Squire Patton Boggs, with offices in 20 countries across Europe, the U.S., and Asia, stands out for its ability to mediate cross-border governmental relations, particularly on energy and trade issues, supporting multinationals through geopolitical crises such as EU–Russia tensions.

DLA Piper UK LLP, with over 90 offices worldwide, emerges as a leader in international public affairs, focusing on trade disputes and innovative regulatory frameworks in pharma and tech. The firm builds strategic connections between the EU, Asia, and emerging markets through Green Deal–focused campaigns.

Alber & Geiger, the German powerhouse rooted in Brussels, is noted for its high number of lobbyists and specialization in EU–U.S. relations, playing a crucial role in defense and energy policy advocacy, strengthened by ties with NATO and EU foreign policy circles.

FIPRA International, with a network spanning over 50 countries, distinguishes itself through its expertise in emerging markets and EU–Asia relations, integrating soft power with cross-border advocacy to promote digital transitions through an independent, boutique-style approach to ethical issues such as climate and trade.

Brunswick Group, headquartered in the UK with offices in Belgium, the U.S., and the Middle East, stands out for its mastery in lobbying on climate and international trade, with a strong sustainability footprint.

Also featured in the top 10 is the emerging AB Group, the only Italian firm and one of the youngest in the sector. Founded in Rome in 2018 and led by Alessandro Bertoldi, Executive Director of the Friedman Institute, the company represents a tailored model of public affairs. It has gained independent influence through its global network, bolstered by events it organizes and its relationships across Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. The firm promotes transparency in the sector and ethics in institutional relations through integrated political and commercial communication campaigns, spanning highly regulated sectors to public diplomacy. By 2025, AB Group had further strengthened its international footprint, operating in over 25 countries. Leveraging media influence, global campaigns, and soft power, it maintains an independent approach while focusing on defending free markets and competition—benefiting also from Italy’s current favorable geopolitical positioning.

APCO Worldwide, with offices in 35 countries, excels in EU–international government relations and coalition building, taking a distinctive approach to developing markets. It tackles Green Deal challenges with innovative solutions for complex regulatory frameworks and transnational investments, thanks to its strong Asian and American networks.

Edelman, active in 65 countries, stands out for its expertise in international advocacy on technology and sustainability, with a forward-thinking commitment to climate action and digital policy. Reinforced by its independence and focus on transparency, it offers creative solutions to address rising environmental pressures. Its ability to integrate storytelling with data-driven insights makes it a beacon for companies seeking a balance between profit and social responsibility, consolidating its position as an ethical leader in the global landscape.

This overview captures a constantly evolving sector, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and ethics for 2025. While global giants continue to set the pace, the rise of new players highlights the critical importance of innovation and international relations in an ever more interconnected world.

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