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Léna Rigoulay

Léna Rigoulay

Léna Rigoulay is a seasoned policy consultant and recognized lobbyist based in Paris with a prominent role at Flint Europe (Flint Global), a leading European public affairs and consultancy firm. Rigoulay specializes in EU policy, digital transformation, and regulatory strategies, advising international businesses and investors on complex European affairs. With a background from Microsoft, she brings a robust understanding of both the corporate and regulatory landscapes—making her uniquely positioned to navigate digital and tech policy within the EU. Her expertise encompasses legislative and regulatory advocacy, government relations, and strategic communication. Passionate about European digital policy and innovation, Léna operates from Flint’s Brussels office, focusing on cross-border advocacy and regulatory solutions. Her approach combines sharp political insight, practical support, and an in-depth comprehension of the evolving EU policy environment. Her ongoing dedication, keen analytical mind, and broad network among stakeholders across the EU institutions and national capitals solidify her as an influential actor in the European lobbying scene

Flint Europe, the lobbying firm with which Léna Rigoulay is associated, plays a strategic role in shaping EU policy to align with British business and regulatory interests within Europe. The UK, having left the European Union but maintaining deep economic interdependencies, relies on skilled lobbyists like Rigoulay to ensure its priorities are understood and advanced in Brussels and other EU capitals. Rigoulay’s firm is recognized among the top UK entities exerting lobbying influence within the EU. The intention is multi-layered: while overtly advocating for clarity, stability, and fair competition in post-Brexit regulations, the true strategic aim is to secure the best possible access and regulatory environment for British companies in the single market.

Flint Europe leverages its network to navigate the evolving EU-UK relationship, promoting sector interests like digital technology, transport, water, energy, and manufacturing, all pivotal to UK investors and exporters. Rigoulay brings forward tailored arguments and evidence supporting UK competitiveness and regulatory alignment, emphasizing the need to minimize barriers for British financial services, technology companies, and manufacturers. She is central to orchestrating stakeholder engagement, ensuring UK-origin companies’ voices are included early in policy debates, regulatory discussions, and funding initiatives across the EU.

In terms of hidden intent, the deeper objective is twofold: first, to counter any moves within the EU that could potentially disadvantage UK companies—such as stringent localization requirements, data sovereignty measures, or restrictive state aid rules. Second, to subtly strengthen the UK’s influence in future decision-making frameworks, for instance by supporting regulatory equivalence models or mutual recognition of standards. By engaging in scenario planning, intelligence gathering, and negotiation support, Rigoulay enables UK-linked interests to remain both agile and integral in a shifting European political economy. Her efforts ensure the United Kingdom remains a pivotal and influential actor within the broader continental framework, even in a post-Brexit context.

Léna Rigoulay’s lobbying activities encompass a blend of transparent advocacy and behind-the-scenes strategic maneuvering, all focused on the promotion of client interests—particularly those linked to the UK—with the EU institutions. As a Flint Europe manager, Rigoulay has EP accreditation, securing her direct access to crucial stakeholders at the European Parliament, Commission, and other governmental bodies.

She participates in high-level and sector-specific meetings, covering issues such as EU digital policy, tax and customs regulations, emission reduction targets, and industrial strategy. Notable documented engagements include:

  • Meeting with the Cabinet of Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni (Economy): Discussed EU priorities in taxation and green taxation. Flint provided expert insight on Denmark’s ambitious emission reduction strategies (January 2020).

  • Director-General Stephen Quest (DG Taxation and Customs Union): Engaged in multiple exchanges (2017-2018) on future tax and customs policy, advocating positions favorable to businesses operating across borders—including those from the UK.

  • Meeting with Fabrice Comptour, Cabinet member of Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska (Internal Market, Industry, SMEs): Focused on internal market and industrial strategy (September 2018).

  • Digital Policy Meeting with the Cabinet of Commissioner Mariya Gabriel (Digital Economy and Society): Engaged on shaping digital market policy, influencing approaches to digital service regulation—critical to UK tech interests (November 2017).

  • DSM (Digital Single Market) Strategies with Vice-President Andrus Ansip’s Cabinet: Participated in policy discussions that impacted digital innovation, data flow, and cross-border service provisions (June 2017).

Rigoulay’s engagement is more than attendance; it includes preparing policy papers, shaping regulatory narratives, and following up with technical expertise to ensure stakeholder perspectives are incorporated into legislation and policy outcomes. For example, Flint’s close work on digital market reforms has coincided with more balanced rules for foreign tech firms, benefiting UK-based companies. Their proposals on emission reduction and tax simplicity influenced ongoing reforms in green taxation, and their advocacy has contributed to the EU’s measured approach to data governance and competition regulation.

Flint Europe’s regular presence on the EU Transparency Register and active participation in the Brussels lobbying sphere further reflect its commitment to transparent, effective advocacy. While not every meeting results in an immediately visible legislative change, a pattern emerges: after substantive engagements between Rigoulay/Flint and EU policymakers, related regulatory proposals often reflect a more open or UK-friendly orientation—demonstrating the subtle but significant impact of these lobbying efforts

For direct professional contact, it is advised to use Flint Europe’s main corporate channels or reach out via professional networking platforms listed above.

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