Get inside the EU

Aula Europe is a consultancy specializing in public affairs and political communications. We are located in the heart of EU decision-making.

Aula Europe

In the thick of day-to-day business operations, political decision-making can feel like a distant and an impenetrable fortress. However, actively representing your interests has substantial benefits – even when it comes to the bottom line. But how to start? That’s where Aula Europe can help. We know who to talk to, when to approach them and how to make sure your message is heard.

Aula Europe is a consultancy specializing in public affairs and political communications. We are located in the heart of EU decision-making. Our experienced teams in Brussels and Helsinki advise clients on a range of regulatory issues, combining expert EU-knowledge with fresh ideas and a solution-focused approach.

At Aula we have an exceptional understanding of the inner workings of the European regulatory system.

Through extensive hands-on experience, we have developed unique networks of contacts and in-depth knowledge of the political processes. We utilize this expertise and our unrivalled personal contacts for the benefit of our clients; to achieve outcomes that have a tangible impact on their business performance.

Aula is known for delivering real results. Our strong growth is testament of our ability to deliver winning strategies. Our clients include leading European companies and organizations.

Services

The public affairs needs of every company are unique. Is your goal to gain a deeper understanding of the decision-making machinery? To tackle an EU-related problem? Or maybe you’re looking to stay ahead of your competitors by actively representing your interests? Whatever your needs, Aula will help you achieve a successful result.

We offer companies and organizations public affairs and communication services, as well as consultation and training related to decision-making in the EU. Our services are bespoke; tailored to meet the needs of each individual client. We are expert in particularly energy, climate, environment, competitiveness and EU internal market issues.

Examples of our services:

Problem: You don’t have the time or the know-how to follow EU-level regulation, even though it has a direct or indirect effect on your company’s competitiveness.

Solution: Tailored policy issue research and monitoring. We report on relevant EU policy developments and help you react to them in a timely and efficient manner.

Problem: You want to influence change in a EU legislative proposal, which directly impacts your products, clients or business environment.

Solution: Direct interest representation in Brussels. We ensure that decision-makers hear your concerns and take them into account in the policymaking process.

Problem: Policymakers are unfamiliar with your company, but now would be an opportune moment to provide policymakers with insights regarding upcoming legislation.

Solution: Mapping contact networks and possible partners, as well as establishing connections in Brussels and in other EU countries. We will plan and help you to implement a carefully targeted communication strategy.

Problem: Key individuals in your organization require sector-specific EU training.

Solution: Tailored training or lectures on EU public affairs, how decision-making is carried out and on upcoming developments in that specific field.

Our Story

With a combined experience of 40 years in the heart of EU decision-making, Aula’s founders are the most experienced and respected Finnish lobbyists in Brussels.

Aula’s story begins in 1995. Finland’s membership in the European Union brought two young Finnish men to Brussels. Despite the bureaucracy, the constant rain and the sea of grey suits, the young men became interested in public affairs and interest representation in the EU. Thus Sami Tulonen and Henri Satuli came to be in the core of European policymaking.

Over the years, Sami became one of the leading lobbyists in the energy sector in Europe, whilst Henri gained a highly respected position in the hub of Finnish business at the Brussels office of the Confederation of Finnish industries.

Together they saw and experienced the development of Finnish lobbying within the EU, and above all its strengths and weaknesses. Over 90 percent of regulation that affects Finnish companies was and continues to be made and adopted in Brussels. And something was clearly missing: a Finnish company, in the heart of Europe that truly understood the everyday needs of businesses.

To fill this gap Aula Europe, the first Finnish consultancy specializing in EU public affairs in Brussels, was created. The name Aula, which translates to ‘lobby’, was a natural choice, as it is the place where people have met with decision-makers since the 17th century. At the end of the day, that’s what successful interest representation is still about – meeting the right people, in the right way, in the right place, at the right time.

Driven by exponential growth, Aula’s team, services and offices have expanded. Soon after its founding in Brussels, Aula opened their Helsinki office, and today Aula is made up of a multidisciplinary team of experts, who are united by their strong understanding of the EU. Aula currently works with several leading European businesses to develop strategies to attain their goals in Brussels, Helsinki and, through a global network of contacts, worldwide.

People

Our team consists of public affairs professionals familiar with the EU-decision-making bodies. In addition to English and Finnish, we have experts fluent in French, German and Swedish. Our diverse contact networks provide us with a global scope.

Every now and then, we have openings on our team. We mainly advertise open positions on various job boards and other online services. If you would like to send us an open application, please send us an email via recruitment@aulaeurope.eu

Sami Tulonen

+32 475 984 723

sami.tulonen@aulaeurope.eu

Sami is undoubtedly one of the leading EU lobbyists in the energy sector. For nearly a decade he managed institutional affairs at FORATOM, the European nuclear energy organization in Brussels. Sami has institutional experience having worked at the European Parliament for 4 years. He has a degree in political science from the University of Turku, and in addition has studied European law in Strasbourg, France.

Henri Satuli

+32 475 694 026

henri.satuli@aulaeurope.eu

For a decade Henri was at the heart of the Finnish business lobby in Brussels, coordinating the EU activities of the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK. Prior to becoming a lobbyist Henri acquired institutional experience working in the European Parliament. Henri has been active and networking in Brussels since 1996. His academic background is in international relations and he holds university degrees from Belgium and the UK.

Antti Tulonen

+32 492 22 39 74

antti.tulonen@aulaeurope.eu

Mikko Hämäläinen

+358 50 467 8839

mikko.hamalainen@aulaeurope.eu

Mikko is a member of Aula’s team in Helsinki, with a regular presence in Brussels. At Aula, he specializes in EU’s environmental, energy, and digital policy. Mikko holds a master’s degree in social sciences from the University of Helsinki, where he focused on political science, economics, and international law. During his studies, Mikko gained valuable experience in political advocacy at the EU member state level, working in the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Prime Minister's Office, and the Finnish Parliament.

Tommi Pyykkö

+358 50 553 3511

tommi.pyykko@aulaeurope.eu

Sakari Säde

+32 475 69 01 09

sakari.sade@aulaeurope.eu

Sakari works at Aula’s Brussels office, focusing on matters related to EU politics, energy policy and sustainable fuels. He also has work experience from the European Commission and Finland’s Permanent Representation to the EU. Sakari studied political science and graduated as a Master of Social Sciences from the University of Helsinki.

Jonna Rajala

+358 50 466 2883

jonna.rajala@aulaeurope.eu

Jonna is a part of Aula’s team in Helsinki, and she works particularly in the fields of circular economy, energy and environmental policy. Jonna has gained experience in international politics and EU-level decision making having worked at the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the European Commission Representation in Finland before she joined Aula. Jonna holds a degree in international law and human rights having studied both in the UK and in Finland. During her studies, Jonna focused especially on environmental matters.

Pyry Keränen

+32 492 46 31 68

pyry.keranen@aulaeurope.eu

Pyry works on topics related to the bioeconomy, renewable fuels, low-carbon chemistry and the circular economy. His journey to the heart of the EU-bubble in Brussels started with a traineeship at the Finnish Permanent Representation to the EU, where Pyryworked in the development cooperation team of the EU foreign relations department. Pyry has studied political history at the University of Helsinki and speech communication in Tampere University.

Juulia Karvali

+32 491 61 49 04

juulia.karvali@aulaeurope.eu

Juulia is a part of Aula's Brussels team. Prior to joining Aula, she worked on EU affairs at the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Finland, gaining experience particularly in the EU decision-making processes and national EU advocacy. Additionally, Juulia has work experience from the European Commission, where she dealt with EU industrial policy and critical raw materials. Juulia holds a degree in International Law from the Netherlands, with a major in international environmental law.

Jenny Ojanperä

+32 494 14 67 39

jenny.ojanpera@aulaeurope.eu

Jenny works in Aula’s Brussels office, focusing on digital and tech policy, as well as energy, environmental, and sustainability matters. Before joining Aula, she worked at the European Commission on competition policy. Jenny holds an OTM (Finnish Master of Laws) degree, an LL.M. in Corporate and Commercial Law, and a Bachelor's Degree in European Law.