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Navigating policy.
Opening opportunity.
Brussels · Helsinki · EU Policy & Regulation
Strategic public affairs at the intersection of digital policy, regulation, and business — for those who need more than a guide through the institutions.
About Nerea
Nerea is derived in part from Greek mythology. The Nereids were sea nymphs — daughters of Nereus and companions of Poseidon, god of the sea. Friendly and helpful to sailors, they embodied everything beautiful and kind about the ocean. They were guides to those navigating its sometimes rough and treacherous waters.
Nerea was originally the name of the founder's yacht. The firm was built on that same spirit: that good character, sound judgement, and genuine helpfulness are exactly what is needed when steering through the complex currents of EU policy and regulation. The parallel to business felt too apt to ignore.
The name carries a second dimension. Nerea is widely used as a feminine given name, and it means "mine" in the Basque language — a nod to a modern, personal approach to advocacy: opening market opportunities for bright ideas, done with conviction and on your terms.
About the Founder
Jussi Mäkinen · Founder
Jussi Mäkinen
Founder & Principal Advisor
A well-seasoned public policy professional with extensive experience of EU and Finnish digital, innovation, sustainable and resilience policies and regulation.
Lawyer by training with a strong background in privacy, data and AI law — and many years of hands-on experience navigating Brussels, from the cafés to the 13th floor of the Berlaymont.
Selected Experience
- Established and led for five years the EU team of Finland's largest export branch, Technology Industries of Finland
- Served four years on the Executive Board of DIGITALEUROPE
- Member of the European Commission Expert Group on B2B Data and Cloud Switching; responsible for two sets of Model Contracts for Industrial Data, published by Technology Industries of Finland and the Orgalim Legal Guide on Industrial Data
- Extensive networks across EU institutions, trade associations, and think-tanks, built through many years of hands-on Brussels advocacy
- Wide experience at the focal point of policy, regulation and business strategy