Phrenos

Design your virtual event journey with us!

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Phrenos

 

Phrenos

[ancient greek: phreno: heart, mind]

 

Working with you

The advice we give you is based on standards which we believe are the key to success; we listen carefully to understand your objectives, delve deep into the matter at hand, and brainstorm with you to reach a shared vision. Grounded in insight and expertise, we deliver creative strategies that work, turning policy into practice, and changing hearts and minds – otherwise known as phreno in Ancient Greek.

Values and results driven

We are driven by passion and belief, and partner with organisations committed to making the world a better place. From Europe’s central hub in Brussels, we specialise in managing international projects with a results-driven, multicultural approach. Our bright and dynamic team prides itself in offering high-quality, personalised services to each and every client.

Quality Control & Risk Analysis 

Phrenos has been awarded the ISO 9001 2015 certificate. To achieve this, Phrenos introduced a quality management system to ensure the highest working standards and to meet client expectations.

 

SERVICES

 

Integrated management

Phrenos manages a variety of projects, ranging from PR and social media focused strategies, event implementation to public affairs and stakeholder campaigns. We balance creativity and innovation with robust project management to guarantee client satisfaction and deliver campaigns with measurable impact. We are with you every step of the way, from conceptualisation and planning, to partner coordination and delivery.

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Creative content

Our diverse team is skilled in transforming complex policies into simple, effective messages. We develop creative content that resonates with your specific target audiences and use storytelling to make any topic accessible and relatable. We also work with your partners to create and fine-tune messages, build relationships, and secure broad consensus for our advocacy and communication campaigns.

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Social and digital

We embrace today’s 24/7 digital and social landscape, ensuring you reach audiences wherever and whenever you want. From digital strategies, web development and community management, to video production and shareable graphics, we can meet all of your digital needs under one roof. Our international and multilingual team will identify influencers and engage and empower digital communities, nurturing campaign advocates to support your objectives.

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Events

We infuse creativity into all our events, conveying and capturing ideas in new and imaginative ways, engaging visionary art directors to create inspirational spaces. We also use the latest technology to boost engagement, discussion and interactivity. We offer end-to-end event management services, from concept and programme development, to logistics and delivery. Our extensive experience spans forums, seminars, summits, exhibitions, public events, and expos.

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“To lead people, walk beside them.”

Lao Tzu

“Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people.”

William Butler Yeats

“Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice.”

Anton Chekhov

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Partner, Managing Director
Nicolas Esgain

"You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing, there will be no results." Mahatma Gandhi

Partner, Managing Director
Nicolas Esgain

Nicolas founded Phrenos in 2010 to offer insights-led, full-spectrum communication and event services. He has 20 years of experience in exhibition and event management and has led numerous high-profile events and summits on behalf of the European Commission (DG Regio, DV DEVCO, DG ENV), including the European Development Days (EDDs), the European Union Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo, and many more. Before founding Phrenos Nicolas also worked in the cultural sector. Nicolas holds a master’s in History from UCL, a Management Certificate from ICHEC-Entreprises, and has three daughters with his life partner Anne Sophie.

Languages: French, English, Dutch

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Managing Partner
Anne-Fleur Labbé

 "Ne renonce jamais à l’initiative" Charles De Gaulle

Managing Partner
Anne-Fleur Labbé

Anne-Fleur is a multilingual professional with 15+ years of experience in events and communication. She grew up in Paris before moving to London, Hong Kong, Rome and has now been living in Brussels for 10 years.

She graduated from the London School of Economics with a MSc in History of International Relations, and from Université Paris II – Panthéon Assas with a MSc in Banking & Finance. In 2020, at INSEAD, she completed a certification in “Design Thinking and Creativity for Business”, as well as one in “Leadership in a Crisis”. She is also a certified Online Meeting Designer, and Jury member of the Meeting Design Institute.

Since joining Phrenos in 2017, she has been part of 5 editions of the “European Development Days” for DG DEVCO. She has extensive experience in organising international events, such as the “Climate Innovation Summit” for Climate-KIC in Milan (2017) and several meetings for the Belgian Ministry of the Interior in London, Madrid, Helsinki and Copenhagen (2019). She was the Event & Secretariat Manager for the “EU Cities for Fair and Ethical Trade Award” for the 2021 edition (ITC/DG Trade).

She currently is the Project Director of the “European Green Capital and European Green Leaf Awards’ Secretariat and Network Support” (DG ENV) and the Events Team Leader for the Logistical & Communication Support for Networking Activities of the CAP (Lot 4) for DG AGRI.

She is also the Account & Event Manager of the “Professional Event Management Services Framework contract” (BEREC) and for a “Communication & Events Services Long Term Agreement” for UNICEF, and she is leading Phrenos’s Events Team.

She regularly coordinates EU tenders’ submissions and acts as the agency’s proofreader.

Languages: French, English, Italian and German.

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Director for Africa
Michelle Makaroff

Director for Africa
Michelle Makaroff

Michelle is Belgian and holds a Master Degree in International Politics (ULB, Brussels) and a degree in translation (ISTI).  She dedicated her long and rich professional life to education, technology, and development. She held various roles and senior positions both at the European Commission (DEVCO, CIS) for more than ten years, and at Microsoft, where she was European Union Business Development Manager Global Strategic Accounts for cooperation and development. She was one of the initiators of the EU-Africa Business Forum with Microsoft’s Chairman for Africa Cheick Modibo Diarra.  She has consultancy for major companies based in Europe, working on new business models using ICT as enabler for socio-economic development.  She is noted for enabling collaboration between cross-aid agencies, private sector organisations, NGOs and philanthropic organisations to facilitate access to education and technology in Africa.

Throughout her career, Michelle has combined with passion a distinguished career of business, philanthropic and humanitarian leadership. Both her career and her voluntary activities have reflected a commitment to improving the lives of others with a special interest in young people at risk and giving something back to international community.

At Phrenos, Michelle is in charge of Business Development for Africa.

Michelle speaks French, English, Dutch & Spanish

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Content & Policy Advisor
Yalchin Mammadov

Content & Policy Advisor
Yalchin Mammadov

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Communications Manager
Marcello De Giorgi

« The path from truth to Truth is difficult. You cannot enter the water of the same river twice. However, observing the depth of water, you may distinguish the cans scattered on its bottom » Sergej Dovlatov

Communications Manager
Marcello De Giorgi

Marcello joined the Phrenos communication in 2020 and quickly became the go to person for all things digital. Before joining Phrenos, Marcello worked as a communication professional with UNCDF, the University of Venice as well as in private companies.

He holds a MA’s degree in International trade from Ca Foscari University of Venice a MA’s degree in communication science from the Vrije Universiteit of Brussels.

After a brief career in international trade, he turned to its real passion: digital communication.

Languages: Italian, French, English, Russian, and a bit of Spanish

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Project Manager
Tommaso Codazzi

«It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all—in which case, you fail by defaul» J.K. Rowling

Project Manager
Tommaso Codazzi

Tommaso holds a master’s degree in European Studies (King’s College London) and a bachelor in Politics and International Relations (University of Bath), which demonstrate his interest in European politics and international affairs. Being a student in England during the Brexit debates, Tommaso developed a strong attachment to the EU. While the UK was leaving the EU, he decided to leave the UK.

Before joining Phrenos in 2021, Tommaso had experiences in the European Parliament and at UNESCO and UNICEF, working both on communication and research projects.

Tommaso firmly believes that empowering younger generations is crucial to build a better world. He thus has extensive experience in working with teenagers and is a certified English teacher.

Languages: Italian, French, English and Spanish

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Communications Intern
Beatrice Koci

« A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. » Wade Boggs

Communications Intern
Beatrice Koci

Beatrice joined Phrenos in 2024 as a Communication Trainee, bringing her background in languages and intercultural communication. She holds a BA in Languages from the University Ca’ Foscari of Venice and an MA in Languages and Communication from the Alma Mater University of Bologna.

Her passion for travel and cultural exchange has taken her on two Erasmus experiences: one in Leeds, UK, and another in Valencia, Spain. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, visiting museums and attending concerts. The only pain she wants in her life is pain au chocolat.

Languages: Italian, English, Spanish, and currently learning French

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Project Manager in Senegal and West Africa
Maimouna Gueye

Project Manager in Senegal and West Africa
Maimouna Gueye

Maïmouna Gueye, who holds a Master 2 in International Business Management, was introduced to business at a very early age.
In 2018, she was awarded the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship by the US State Department, initiated by former US President Barack Obama, and completed two (2) months of leadership training at a university in Iowa.
Since 2012, she has hosted the Law and Economics columns on TFM, Senegalese television, to help people better understand the technical aspects of these fields.
Since 2019, she has been working with Phrenos as a consultant and project manager in Senegal.
Languages: French, Wolof, English.

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Graphic and Multimedia Designer
Cindy Brault

« Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics. Design is so simple, that’s why it is so complicated. »

 Paul Rand

Graphic and Multimedia Designer
Cindy Brault

Cindy has been a freelance graphic designer since 2021, with expertise in digital art direction and a solid background in graphic design.
Years of experience in the field have enabled her to cultivate an attentive approach to the sensitive world in which we live. She works with her clients on dynamic communications projects spanning print, web and events.
Therefore, Cindy adapts her creations to meet a variety of requirements, from social media and event visuals to icons, banners, videos, animations as well as slideshows, with a particular attention to detail.

Languages: French, English

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Communication Officer
Cécile Mayeres

« The biggest emotion in creation is the bridge to optimism. »

 Brian May

Communication Officer
Cécile Mayeres

Cécile joined Phrenos in 2023 as a Communication Officer after working at the European Parliament in Luxembourg.

She holds a Bachelor and a Master’s Degree in Translation and Cross-Cultural Communication from ISIT Paris with a specialisation in European mobility.

Passionate about languages and discovering new cultures, she has lived in Spain and Canada. She is also fond of music and literature and never loses an opportunity to attend a concert.

Languages: French, English, Spanish

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Support Project Manager
Julia Zartaloudis

« We cannot solve a problem with the same thinking we used when creating them. »

 Albert Einstein

Support Project Manager
Julia Zartaloudis

Julia joined Phrenos in January 2023 to bring support to the projects in which the company is involved.

Julia has a Master’s degree in Marketing Communication and Business strategy from INSEEC Paris.

She has a background of more than 10 years in sales and business development for national and international environment. She has lived and worked in Paris, London, and Monaco. Entrepreneur and committed, Julia has created her own athleisure line for women which is manufactured by women in Ukraine.
Passionate about women empowerment and human rights, she is regularly giving seminars to a community of women entrepreneurs and helping financially local charities.

Julia loves travelling, discovering new cultures, and doing yoga on the beach.

Languages : Romanian, Russian, English, French, Spanish, Italian

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Events Organiser
Francesco Aiello

« People make mistakes, that’s why they put rubbers at the end of pencils. »

 Fleabag

Events Organiser
Francesco Aiello

After years working on making events happen on the ground as a steward, Francesco moved to help plan them at Phrenos.
He brings with him the volunteer experience at the International Short Movie Festival CinemìCinemà as part of the event organisers and as Art Director.
Francesco does not like to define himself as he is very reserved, yet sarcastic.
In his spare time he likes cycling, discovering ice cream recipes, and enjoying a good tv show.

Languages: Italian, English and French

agathe
Project Coordinator Assistant
Agathe Moreau

« It is good to love many things, for therein lies strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done with love is well done. » Vincent Van Gogh

Project Coordinator Assistant
Agathe Moreau

Freshly graduated, Agathe holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Sciences and a Master’s Degree in European Studies (Université de Lille). She has developed a keen interest in European Affairs, which is the reason why she decided to come to Brussels.

Agathe likes to define herself as genuine and optimistic with a love of learning!
Outside working hours, you can find her in Brussels’ museums or escaping into nature.

Languages: French, English, German

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Project Management Intern
Eleonora Villa

« The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. » Eleanor Roosevelt

Project Management Intern
Eleonora Villa

Eleonora is a dedicated Project Management trainee with a strong background in international relations and security politics. She holds a BA in International Studies and Diplomacy from the University of Trieste and has furthered her education by pursuing an MA in International Security. Eleonora has gained valuable experience through internships at an NGO and the regional administration, as well as through a volunteer activity at the World Food Forum at FAO, where she developed skills in project management, data analysis, and stakeholder communication.
Her multilingual abilities enhance her effectiveness in diverse environments. In her free time, she enjoys long walks, taking pictures of scenic spots in Brussels, and enjoying good food with good company.
Languages: Italian, English, French, and Spanish

irene-sanchez
Junior Events Organiser
Irene Sanchez

« Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. » Winston Churchill

Junior Events Organiser
Irene Sanchez

Irene studied protocol, event organisation, and corporate Communication in Madrid. She is passionate about travel and cultural exchange. She lived in the U.S. for a year before moving to Brussels for her Erasmus and internship. She loves meeting people from diverse backgrounds and finding joy in new experiences.

Irene is been dancing since she was a kid and plans to keep dancing well into old age—hopefully still with great moves! It brings vibrancy to her life, just like spending time with family and loved ones accompanied by good food and sun.
Languages: Spanish and English

Discover our campaigns



#ThinkTwice

Phrenos designed the entire #ThinkTwice campaign in the framework of European Develoment Days 2019, which had an overarching theme of “Addressing inequalities: building a world which leaves no one behind”.

#ThinkTwice is an online global campaign designed to make people reflect on inequalities.
The contrast between the simplicity of the object and the severity of the situation provokes audiences to reconsider the issues at stake.

A glass of water; a book; a shoe; a bank account. Do these things make you #ThinkTwice? The #ThinkTwice campaign uses everyday objects to highlight the often life-threatening inequalities which persist all over the world. Understanding the deep inequalities which still exist is the first step towards building a world which leaves no one behind.

This global campaign was fronted by a number of leading, global personalities, who each carried their own personal message. To view the campaign’s official ambassadors, click here.

 

 

#SheisWe

Phrenos conceived and launched the #SheisWe global digital campaign for the European Development Days 2018.

#SheisWe shows that when women are empowered, protected, trusted and invested in, there are benefits for all of us. The campaign emphasizes striking stories of people everywhere in the world, and engages renowned personalities, activists, and members of the development community.

This campaign was launched within the framework of European Development Days 2018 – a global forum – which focused that year on “Women and Girls at the Forefront of Sustainable Development” to promote a safer, more inclusive and open world for women.

This global campaign was fronted by a number of leading, global personalities, who each carried their own personal message. View the campaign’s official ambassadors such as Christine Lagarde, Dr Mukewege amongs others here.

 

 

#WeAreTheChange

In the framework of EDD 2017, Phrenos designed and implemented the campaign “We are The Change”. This communication campaign addressed three major themes: Investing in People and Planet, Investing in Prosperity, Investing in Peace and Partnerships.

The aim of the campaign was to encourage people to take the time to reflect how they can be part of the change and how they can have an impact.

Showing citizens how their behaviour may have positive consequences is a first step towards their empowerment.




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Europe / CBE JU

Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking

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Europe / DG ENV

EU Green Capital & EU Green Leaf Awards

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Europe / DG AGRI

EU CAP Network

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Safe Online Network Forum

Brussels / UNICEF

Safe Online Network Forum – Event support

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Brussels and online / European Brain Council

Brain Innovation Days

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Online Event / European Brain Research Area

Epicluster

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Hybrid Event / Afrika-innovation

Forum de Dakar #2

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Global Forum / VO Europe x DG INTPA

European Development Days – 2021

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Virtual Event / European Brain Council

VOT 2 Synthesis Meeting

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Virtual Event / European Brain Council & BeLean

Brain Innovation Days #3

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Virtual Event / European Brain Council

MULTI-ACT Final Conference

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International Cooperation Hub / Particip GmbH

AU EU Youth Cooperation HUB

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Award / DG ENV

European Green Capital and European Green Leaf Awards

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Website Development / EOTA

European Organisation for Technical Assessment

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Communication & PR / EOTA

European Organisation for Technical Assessment

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Virtual Event / DG DEVCO

EDD 2021 Stakeholders Meeting

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Virtual Event / Afrika-Innovation

Forum de Dakar #2 – Virtual launch ceremony

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Virtual Event / European Brain Council & BeLean

Brain Innovation Days #2

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Hybrid Award Ceremony / ITC & European Commission (DG Trade)

EU Cities for Fair & Ethical Trade Award

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Digital Launch Event / European Brain Council & BeLean

Brain Innovation Days

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Conferences / Phrenos

ESCN series of conferences

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Virtual Event / Rawfill

Rawfill Final Event

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Virtual Event / EBRA

EPI-CLUSTER (EpiXchange II) scientific meeting

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Forum / Phrenos

Forum de Dakar 2019

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Global Forum / DG DEVCO

European Development Days – 2019

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Forum / International Trade Centre (ITC)

Trade for Sustainable Development Forum

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Concert/ Phrenos & Dakar Company

Concert de Youssou NDour et le Super Étoile

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Award / DG TRADE

EU Cities for Fair & Ethical Trade Award – 2018

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Award / DG DEVCO

Lorenzo Natali Media Prize – 2018

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Global Forum / DG DEVCO

European Development Days – 2018

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xHealth

xHealth

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Summit / Climate-KIC

Climate Innovation Summit 2017

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Capacity Building / EEAS

AU-EU Youth Plug-In Initiative – 2017

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Hackathon / Climate-KIC

Climathon – 2017

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Partner Networking Day

Networking event / Climate-KIC

Partner Networking Day – 2017

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Workshops and panels / CIRB

Smart City for Economy – 2017

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Global Forum / DG DEVCO

European Development Days – 2017

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Conference / World Bank

World Reconstruction Forum 3 – 2017

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Artistic Performances / DG DEVCO

EDD Cultural Programme – 2017

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Open dialogue with musical sessions / DG DEVCO

Voices4Development – 2017

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Capacity Building / DG DEVCO

EDD Youth Programme – 2017

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© Mara De Sario

Workshops and panels / CIRB

Smart City for Education – 2017

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Global Forum / DG DEVCO

European Development Days – 2016

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Conference / TIPIK (DGJUST) 

59th European Judicial Network – 2016

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Artistic Performances / DG DEVCO

EDD Cultural Programme – 2016

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Global Forum / DG DEVCO

European Development Days – 2015

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Thematic High-level Panels / DG DEVCO

RIO + 20 – 2012

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Exhibition / DG COMM

EC Visitor Center – 2011

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EC Pavillon  / DG RELEX

Shanghai Expo – 2010

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They trust us

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Logo of the EC
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Logo of the British Council
Logo of Save the Children
Logo of ONE
Logo of Care
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Logo of CIRB
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Logo of Orange
Logo of CABI
Logo of IRD
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Logo of ECES
Logo of EUACC
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