Who we are

Anneli Kimber Lindwall is a strategic communication professional with twenty-four years of experience in the public and international development sectors within the EU, UK, EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood, Asia and Africa. She currently serves as the campaigns manager at EU NEIGHBOURS EAST, the EU’s largest regional communication project in the Eastern Neighbourhood, overseeing campaigns across Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.

Previously, she worked with the strategic communication department at Lund University and served for five years as a strategic communication expert at the East Stratcom Task Force of the European External Action Service. In this role, she enhanced EU perceptions and communication strategies in the Eastern Neighbourhood and led efforts to support independent media, including developing the EUvsDisinfo campaign against pro-Kremlin disinformation.

Prior to her current role, she was the Project Manager at the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, leading the establishment of the Estonian development agency, ESTDEV. Her career also includes positions as press secretary for the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, communication officer for the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and press diplomat at the Estonian Embassy in London.

She has conducted numerous strategic communication training workshops and is currently a visiting professor at the College of Europe, teaching a course on strategic communication in the digital age. In collaboration with James Pamment, a leading expert in analysing and countering hostile foreign interference, Anneli co-authored a best practice guide on fact-checking and debunking for the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence.

Anneli holds a master’s degree in international relations and development economics from the University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies.

Janis Rungulis is a seasoned strategic communication professional with over fifteen years of expertise in public relations, advertising, and social media management within the EU, Eastern Partnership countries,Asia and Africa.

Janis has a strong background in enhancing EU perceptions and communication strategies. He previously worked with the European External Action Service (EEAS) as a Strategic Communications Expert, where he contributed to the efforts to counter disinformation through the EUvsDisinfo campaign. His responsibilities included overseeing the production of visual content, coordinating web design and development, and delivering strategic communication training modules.

Janis played a pivotal role in planning and implementing EU campaigns throughout the Eastern Partnership countries, utilising innovative approaches such as human video stories and fact sheets to explain complex policies.

Before his current roles, Janis was the Spokesperson for the Latvian Presidency to the EU at the Permanent Representation of Latvia to the EU, where he coordinated presswork and organised major events. He also held positions such as New Business and Marketing Director at Omnicom Media Group, Project Director at DDB Latvia, and Managing Director at the communication agency ID in Georgia.

Janis has extensive experience in training and capacity building, having conducted numerous workshops on strategic communication, crisis communication, and combating disinformation. He is an engaging speaker and a recognised trainer with a reputation for delivering interactive and impactful training sessions.

Janis holds a master’s degree in International Relations and Political Economy of Development from Central European University and has completed various programmes focused on international relations and economics. His education and professional journey reflect his commitment to enhancing communication strategies and addressing the challenges of disinformation in the digital age.