Floris van Hövell

Floris van Hövell is a seasoned Dutch lobbyist and senior EU affairs manager at Shell, one of the world’s largest energy and petrochemical companies. With a background in diplomacy, van Hövell was seconded from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Shell in 2012, marking the start of his transition into corporate government relations. Based in Brussels, he has led Shell’s EU advocacy on gas and hydrogen since 2017, positioning himself at the heart of energy policy debates in the European Union. Van Hövell is recognized for his expertise in navigating the complex intersection of energy, climate, and industrial policy, often representing Shell at high-level meetings with EU Commissioners, Director-Generals, and other key policymakers. His lobbying activities are integral to Shell’s broader strategy of influencing regulatory frameworks, advancing low-carbon solutions, and ensuring the company’s interests are reflected in the EU’s ambitious climate and energy agenda. Through his work, van Hövell has established a reputation as a key interlocutor between the fossil fuel industry and European institutions, leveraging his diplomatic acumen and extensive network to shape policy outcomes in Shell’s favor

Floris van Hövell’s lobbying efforts for Shell Companies are deeply intertwined with the United Kingdom’s economic and strategic interests, given Shell’s headquarters in London and its significant operational footprint in the UK. As a Senior EU Affairs Manager, van Hövell’s primary mandate is to ensure that Shell’s business model—anchored in oil, gas, and increasingly, low-carbon technologies—remains compatible with evolving EU regulations and market conditions. His lobbying firm, Shell Companies, is not only a corporate entity but also a conduit for advancing the UK’s influence within the EU energy landscape.

Van Hövell’s overt lobbying objectives include advocating for pragmatic energy transition policies that balance decarbonization ambitions with energy security and industrial competitiveness. He champions the role of natural gas and hydrogen as transitional fuels, arguing that these resources are essential for a reliable and affordable shift to a low-carbon economy. By promoting Shell’s investments in hydrogen and carbon capture, van Hövell seeks to position the UK as a leader in clean energy innovation, securing funding and regulatory support for projects that benefit both Shell and the broader UK energy sector.

Beneath the surface, van Hövell’s lobbying also serves the UK’s strategic goal of maintaining a strong voice in EU energy policy post-Brexit. Through Shell’s Brussels-based EU Affairs Office, he ensures that UK perspectives are represented in key policy discussions, from the European Green Deal to the design of carbon markets and infrastructure funding mechanisms. By cultivating relationships with EU officials and participating in influential industry associations, van Hövell amplifies the UK’s interests, helping to shape regulations that favor UK-based companies and technologies.

Moreover, van Hövell’s activities often align with the UK government’s priorities, such as promoting hydrogen corridors, securing LNG supply chains, and advocating for flexible regulatory frameworks that accommodate British innovation. His engagement in expert groups and advisory panels further embeds UK interests in the technical details of EU policymaking, ensuring that the UK remains a pivotal player in the continent’s energy transition, even from outside the EU.

Floris van Hövell’s lobbying activities are extensive and multifaceted, reflecting Shell’s significant investment in EU advocacy—estimated at nearly €5 million annually. He is a registered lobbyist with European Parliament accreditation and is frequently listed as a lead participant in high-level meetings with EU Commissioners and Director-Generals. His activities span direct lobbying, participation in expert groups, and engagement in industry associations.

Key meetings attended by van Hövell include:

11 Mar 2025, Brussels: Participated in a meeting with the Cabinet of Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra on the role of hydrogen for heavy-duty vehicles, influencing the EU’s approach to hydrogen infrastructure and transport decarbonization5.
3 Mar 2025, Telephone: Joined a call with DG Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood on gas in Ukraine, shaping the EU’s stance on energy security and supply diversification—issues critical to both Shell and the UK.
21 Oct 2022, Videoconference: Engaged with DG Energy on energy prices and supply security, contributing to policy responses during the European energy crisis.
2 May 2019, Brussels: Discussed the global clean energy transition with DG Energy, advocating for the increasing role of electricity and new technologies, which aligns with Shell’s and the UK’s push for innovation leadership.
29 Mar 2019, Brussels: Exchanged views on lobbying transparency with the Cabinet of First Vice-President Frans Timmermans, reinforcing Shell’s commitment to responsible advocacy while ensuring continued access to policymakers.
26 Feb 2019, Brussels: Addressed the contribution of diversified technologies for the clean and competitive energy transition with DG Energy, promoting Shell’s portfolio approach to decarbonization.
22 Nov 2018, Brussels: Participated in discussions on EU financial regulations, ensuring that new rules support investment in energy infrastructure.
28 Jun 2017, Brussels: Held a courtesy meeting with the Cabinet of First Vice-President Frans Timmermans, strengthening Shell’s institutional ties at the highest levels of the European Commission.

These meetings have demonstrably influenced policy outcomes, such as the EU’s recognition of hydrogen as a key pillar of its decarbonization strategy, the design of support mechanisms for gas and hydrogen infrastructure, and the development of regulatory frameworks that accommodate transitional fuels. Van Hövell’s persistent engagement ensures that Shell—and by extension, the UK—remains at the forefront of EU energy policy development, securing favorable conditions for investment, innovation, and market access.

Email: Not publicly disclosed (Shell corporate channels recommended)
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/floris-van-hövell-24b2382
Shell EU Affairs Office: Rue Froissart 95, Brussels 1040, Belgium
Shell Headquarters: Shell Centre, London SE1 7NA, United Kingdom
Shell Advocacy & Political Activity: shell.com/advocacy
Shell EU Affairs X (Twitter): @Shell_EUAffairs
Phone: Not publicly disclosed (contact via Shell switchboard or LinkedIn)
Website: shell.com