Associate and Public Policy Advisor
valerio.giovannini@squirepb.com
Languages spoken
Italian | English | French | Spanish
Valerio Giovannini is an Italian-qualified lawyer based in Brussels, advising multinational clients on EU regulatory matters. He provides guidance on product compliance, environmental regulation and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)-related obligations, helping clients navigate complex regulatory frameworks across multiple jurisdictions. He also supports clients in understanding and preparing for ongoing and forthcoming EU regulatory developments, ensuring compliance with evolving requirements.
Valerio has extensive experience guiding clients through EU climate and emissions requirements, including the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and its extension to the maritime sector, as well as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), helping businesses manage compliance obligations, operational risks and contractual implications. He is a recognized author of peer-reviewed articles in legal journals on these topics. He advises automotive clients on technical vehicle legislation, the EU Batteries Regulation and rules on vehicle emissions and fuels. In the chemicals area, Valerio supports clients with regulatory compliance, providing early-stage guidance on the proposed EU restriction on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other EU chemicals frameworks. He also advises on product compliance obligations across supply chains, packaging, labelling and marketing standards.
Before joining the firm, Valerio served as head of regulatory law at a leading European mobility technology group, where he advised on EU climate, environmental and competition law and supported regulatory strategy across multiple jurisdictions. He previously held legal and advisory roles at an international sports organization and within the Italian government, focusing on European and international law.
Advised a national government on the compliance of a citizenship acquisition scheme with EU law, including non-discrimination, and sincere cooperation principles and assessed legal risks arising from compatibility with EU Treaties and relevant case law.
Advised clients in the shipping industry on the expansion of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to the maritime sector, the FuelEU Maritime Regulation and the Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) Regulation, to support compliance efforts and clarify the interrelation of obligations arising from these legal frameworks.
Assisted clients in understanding the proposed universal restriction on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and provided support in preparing and submitting derogation proposals during the European Commission’s public consultation process.
Counseled a major client in the packaging sector in a pre-litigation phase concerning potential liability for the payment of environmental contributions.
Provided legal advice to a major client in the machinery manufacturing sector on matters involving technical vehicle regulations, the EU Battery Regulation and legal warranty obligations applicable to producers.
Advised several international clients engaged in the importation of steel and aluminum on the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), with particular focus on the reporting requirements during the transitional period and preparation for compliance in the implementation phase.
Drafting, management and implementation of the EU regulatory strategy for a leading company operating in the mobility sector.
Legal advice on EU laws related to corporate sustainability, due diligence and reporting, and vehicle, battery and machinery regulations, among others.
Advice on compliance with EU competition law in the participation in public tenders for the provision of mobility services.
Negotiation and drafting of memoranda of understanding between a leading sports organization and public institutions, including the European Parliament, the European Commission and the United Nations (Geneva Office and agencies operating in the field of human rights).
Representation at the Council of Europe on issues related to sports and human rights.
Design, implementation and management of a system of access to public funds for sports organizations and advice on European state aid regulation, European structural funds and other relevant public funds.
Drafting of legal opinions and of national positions on issues related to EU laws on digital and innovation (i.e., geo-blocking regulation) on behalf of the Italian government.
Author, “Regulatory Burdens under CBAM and ESPR in EU Law with a Focus on Proportionality and Extraterritoriality”, Journal of Law, Market & Innovation, Vol. 4, No. 3 (2025).
Author, “Legal Comment: Why the EU Must Close the ‘Regulatory Gaps’ in Its Carbon Border Tax", ENDS Europe.
Co-author, “EU’s Carbon Cost Rules Are Changing: How Companies Can Prepare for CBAM”, Reuters Legal.
Co-author, "EU Tackles Greenwashing: “Empowering Consumers Directive” and Proposals for the Future", Reuters Legal (2024).