Brussels Representation Office

[This animated film introduces EDF's R&D representation office in Brussels, which supports researchers in their relations with European institutions. Its role is to identify funding opportunities, facilitate strategic partnerships and support the development of collaborative projects, as part of the ENFIN team, which has already helped EDF secure more than 100 European projects.]

Welcome to the R&D Representation Office in Brussels

The team consists of:

• 2 European Project Managers
• 1 European Funding Officer

Our Mission

Support R&D researchers in their interactions with European institutions and facilitate the development of collaborative projects by providing access to funding opportunities.

Our Activities

Identify funding opportunities aligned with R&D priorities
Connect researchers with EDF Group's strategic partners in Brussels
Support project development in collaboration with R&D stakeholders

The Brussels office is part of the European Affairs Department (DAE) and represents R&D within the ENFIN team, which aims to facilitate access to European funding for EDF Group entities.

The ENFIN team has:

• More than €140 million in grants secured for the EDF Group since 2014
• More than 100 successful European projects

The Brussels office works closely with EDF Group's other R&D sites in France and around the world.

Find out more at edf.fr
 

Researchers from France and around the world takes us to Brussels, to the R&D Representation Office, where we meet Émilie Mercier, Fadela Choual and Pietro Bernardara.

Fadela, Émilie, Pietro: We are the Brussels team within the European Affairs Department.

Émilie Mercier: Émilie Mercier, European Project Director, based in Brussels.

Pietro Bernardara: Pietro Bernardara, European Project Director within the R&D team in Brussels and EDF Group's European Affairs Department.

Fadela Choual: Fadela Choual, European Funding Officer. I am currently working as an international volunteer in a company (VIE) within the R&D team in Brussels, following a Master's degree in European Union law and an internship at Paris-Saclay on the Horizon Europe programme.

The Center

Question: Can you describe it and explain its missions?

Fadela Choual: We support and assist researchers who want to get involved in European projects, particularly by helping them identify consortia and partners, drawing on our European networks.

Pietro Bernardara: More specifically, we also take part in associations, think tanks and working groups that bring scientific messages to Brussels and also contribute to discussions on the creation of future research funding programmes.

European projects are part of R&D's DNA. We have carried out more than 100 since 2014. In 2021, we secured €3 million in European grants. In 2022, €5.5 million, and in 2023, €6.5 million. This is growth that we aim to continue in order to support our research and maintain a strong presence at the European level.

The Axiom

Question: What happens in Brussels?

Fadela Choual: All the Group's entities are represented in Brussels, and the European Affairs Department (DAE) conveys the messages of all these entities. It is very interesting to work with them because there is a strong synergy between R&D's research topics and the messages they convey to the European institutions.

It is particularly during informal discussions, over a coffee, that different arguments can be exchanged between the R&D and DAE teams.

The Spark

Question: What do you enjoy most about your work?

Fadela Choual: Brussels is the heart of the European Union, and the issues of tomorrow are decided here. They have an impact both on our country and on EDF as a company.

Émilie Mercier: Brussels is also about the international dimension, which is particularly exciting and something I have always sought throughout my career. So I am especially happy to be working here.

Pietro Bernardara: The decisions made here, at the European Parliament, have an impact on our lives, society and the company.

R&D has every right, with its scientific expertise, to convey messages and raise awareness of the issues that matter to us. Our colleagues at the Parliament and the Commission need this expertise, and they are listening.

Finding the Balance

Question: Passions and work-life balance

Pietro Bernardara: At the end of the day, to unwind, a good restaurant, a bit of sport, or simply hopping on a Thalys train and heading back to Paris while listening to music.