Reports

Judit BAUMHOLCZER

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

Judit Baumholczer is a registered lobbyist accredited with Shell Companies, a global energy conglomerate with a significant presence in the European Union’s policy landscape. As of October 2024, she holds European Parliament accreditation for Shell, reflecting her active role in shaping EU energy and environmental policy on behalf of one of the world’s largest oil and gas corporations. Baumholczer’s background includes experience in high-level policy advocacy, with a focus on energy transition, climate targets, and regulatory frameworks affecting the oil, gas, and renewables sectors. Shell Companies, headquartered in The Hague, operates in over 110 countries and is deeply involved in oil and gas exploration, LNG, petrochemicals, and increasingly, renewable energy projects. Baumholczer’s role is pivotal in representing Shell’s interests at the EU level, engaging with policymakers, and participating in influential industry networks such as BusinessEurope, Hydrogen Europe, and the European Round Table for Industry. Her work is characterized by a strategic approach to policy engagement, leveraging Shell’s extensive resources and affiliations to influence legislative outcomes in line with the company’s business objectives and broader energy transition goals

Judit Baumholczer, through her position at Shell Companies, is actively engaged in lobbying efforts that align with both Shell’s commercial interests and, at times, the policy objectives of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While Shell is a global corporation, its lobbying strategies often intersect with those of resource-rich countries like the UAE, particularly in the context of energy transition, carbon capture, and international gas markets. Baumholczer’s firm, Shell, is a member of numerous industry associations and networks that facilitate dialogue and policy alignment between major energy producers and the EU. Her true and sometimes less overt intention in lobbying for the UAE can be discerned in Shell’s advocacy for regulatory frameworks that support continued investment in fossil fuels, the expansion of LNG infrastructure, and the development of carbon capture and storage technologies—areas where the UAE has significant strategic interests.

Baumholczer’s approach involves promoting the narrative of energy security and diversification, positioning the UAE as a reliable partner for Europe’s energy needs amid geopolitical uncertainties. She advocates for policies that favor long-term contracts for LNG supply, regulatory incentives for carbon capture projects, and the integration of hydrogen as a key element of the EU’s decarbonization pathway—all of which benefit both Shell and the UAE’s state-owned energy companies. By leveraging Shell’s credibility and relationships within EU institutions, Baumholczer helps amplify the UAE’s voice in critical policy debates, ensuring that legislative outcomes are favorable to continued hydrocarbon investments and the gradual, rather than abrupt, transition to renewables. This nuanced lobbying strategy supports the UAE’s ambition to remain a central player in global energy markets while aligning with Shell’s commercial imperatives and the broader interests of the oil and gas sector

Judit Baumholczer’s lobbying activities are characterized by sustained engagement with key EU policymakers and participation in high-level meetings that shape the Union’s energy and climate agenda. In her capacity as a Shell Companies lobbyist, she has been involved in a series of strategic meetings with European Commissioners, their cabinets, and influential Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). Notable activities include:

  • Attending roundtables with the Cabinet of Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, focusing on energy market dynamics and the future of hydrogen in the EU.

  • Participating in consultations with Commissioner Kadri Simson’s team on the Renewable Energy Directive, biofuels, and carbon capture and storage, where Shell advocated for flexible regulatory frameworks that support ongoing fossil fuel investments alongside renewables.

  • Engaging with Director-General Ditte Juul Jørgensen of DG Energy on issues related to energy security, international gas markets, and the integration of hydrogen and CCS technologies into the EU’s decarbonization strategy.

  • Contributing to discussions on the 2040 Climate Target Plan, where Shell’s input, facilitated by Baumholczer, emphasized the need for pragmatic timelines and investment incentives for low-carbon technologies, directly influencing the Commission’s approach to climate policy.

These lobbying efforts are closely linked to subsequent policy developments, such as the EU’s support for LNG infrastructure expansion, increased funding for carbon capture projects, and the inclusion of hydrogen in the Green Deal framework—all of which align with the interests of Shell and its partners, including the UAE. Baumholczer’s ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and build coalitions with other industry stakeholders has made her a key player in shaping outcomes that balance Europe’s climate ambitions with the realities of energy security and market competitiveness.

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  • Website: Shell Companies – www.shell.com

  • EU Transparency Register: 05032108616-26

Note: Due to GDPR and privacy regulations, direct personal contact details for Judit Baumholczer are not disclosed in public records. For official inquiries, contact Shell Companies via their main website or through the EU Transparency Register.

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