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This is Tanja Fajon's new job.
Slovenia🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/3/2026

This is Tanja Fajon's new job.

Former Slovenian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Tanja Fajon has started working as a senior advisor at the German consulting firm Von Beust & Coll. Beratungsgesellschaft. The company specializes in representing clients' interests before German and European institutions. Fajon announced her new professional path via LinkedIn, emphasizing the growing influence of geopolitics on business, investments, and innovation. She aims to collaborate with leading representatives of industry, international organizations, academia, and civil society in the future. Details about her specific responsibilities, client base, and areas of focus remain unclear. The firm describes itself as providing strategic, communication, and economic advisory services to companies, associations, and other legal entities. It helps clients with political positioning, building relationships with decision-makers, monitoring legislative processes, preparing position papers, and organizing events for political stakeholders. According to Germany’s lobbyist registry, the firm recognizes and communicates with political stakeholders, prepares political positions and key messages, and carries out concrete lobbying in a

Tanja Fajon, former Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, has begun working as a senior advisor with the German lobbying firm Von Beust & Coll. Beratungsgesellschaft, effective September 2026. The move comes after her unsuccessful attempt to secure the position of Special Representative of the European Union for the Sahel region, which was instead awarded to a Danish diplomat. Fajon’s new role marks a transition from public service into private sector consultancy, focusing on strategic advice, political positioning, and interest representation for clients operating within the European Union framework. The firm, based in Hamburg with offices in Berlin, Cologne, and Brussels, specializes in providing tailored services to businesses, associations, and legal entities. These include political positioning, stakeholder engagement, crisis communication, and lobbying activities. According to the German Lobbying Register, the company operates under strict guidelines, representing client interests exclusively upon instruction from third parties. It does not engage directly in political advocacy but rather supports its clients through strategic counsel and regulatory navigation. Fajon's decision to join Von Beust & Coll. follows a broader trend among former politicians and high-level officials transitioning into consulting roles. This shift is driven by their deep understanding of institutional processes, international networks, and policy landscapes. The firm’s clientele includes major corporations such as Coca-Cola, Air Products, and UPM, as well as industry coalitions focused on energy, transport, environmental regulations, and digital transformation. The firm’s work spans over 70 specific legislative and regulatory issues, including synthetic fuels, biofuels, packaging regulations, and pharmaceutical policies. Among the notable figures associated with the firm is Knut Fleckenstein, a former member of the European Parliament for the Social Democratic Party (SPD). Fleckenstein, who previously served as a deputy chair of the Socialist and Democrat Group in the European Parliament, continues to collaborate with the firm in Brussels. His involvement underscores the firm’s connections with key political actors across the spectrum of German and European politics, ranging from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) to the Greens. Fajon’s transition was influenced by the rejection of her candidacy for the EU Special Representative position for the Sahel. Despite support from High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, the Slovenian government led by Prime Minister Janez Janša opposed the nomination. The process was criticized as opaque, with the nomination letter signed by Barbara Žvokelj, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The case is currently under review by the Anti-Corruption Commission. Fajon maintains that the process was transparent and followed standard procedures, similar to previous applications for comparable positions. While the specifics of Fajon’s responsibilities remain undisclosed, she has indicated that her work will involve advising on business operations within the EU, geopolitical challenges, and strategy formulation. Her role is expected to span Slovenia, Germany, and Brussels, leveraging her experience in both domestic and international affairs. The firm’s structure allows for flexible engagement, with Fajon likely operating from its Brussels office while maintaining ties with her home country. The firm itself has a long-standing reputation in the field of political and economic advisory services. Founded in 2013 by Ole von Beust, a former mayor of Hamburg and member of the CDU, and lawyer Georg Ehrmann, who specializes in humanitarian law, the company has built a network spanning multiple sectors and political affiliations. Its leadership team includes Sebastian Frevel and Nikolas Hill, former state secretaries in Hamburg, further reinforcing its credibility and influence in policy circles. Fajon’s new role reflects a growing pattern of former public servants entering the private sector, particularly in areas requiring specialized knowledge of regulatory frameworks and international relations. As the EU continues to expand its influence in global governance, such transitions enable individuals to maintain relevance and contribute to shaping policy from a different perspective. For Fajon, this represents a continuation of her career in influencing decisions that affect both national and transnational agendas.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 7 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

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Slovenske novice logoSlovenske noviceIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 859/2/2026
This is Tanja Fajon's new job.

Former Slovenian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Tanja Fajon has started working as a senior advisor at the German consulting firm Von Beust & Coll. Beratungsgesellschaft. The company specializes in representing clients' interests before German and European institutions. Fajon announced her new professional path via LinkedIn, emphasizing the growing influence of geopolitics on business, investments, and innovation. She aims to collaborate with leading representatives of industry, international organizations, academia, and civil society in the future. Details about her specific responsibilities, client base, and areas of focus remain unclear. The firm describes itself as providing strategic, communication, and economic advisory services to companies, associations, and other legal entities. It helps clients with political positioning, building relationships with decision-makers, monitoring legislative processes, preparing position papers, and organizing events for political stakeholders. According to Germany’s lobbyist registry, the firm recognizes and communicates with political stakeholders, prepares political positions and key messages, and carries out concrete lobbying in a

Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual overview of Tanja Fajon's new role and the nature of the firm she works for, without overtly favoring any political perspective. It includes balanced information about the firm's activities and does not present a clear ideological slant.

Why factuality (85): This article confirms Fajon's new position at Von Beust & Coll. and includes details from her LinkedIn announcement. It explains the firm's services and aligns with other reports, maintaining consistency in the information presented.

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting the information objectively without apparent bias. It focuses on the facts of her new role and the firm's services without injecting personal opinion.

RTV Slovenija (MMC) logoRTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicProgressiveFactual 85Objective 809/2/2026
Tanja Fajon is going into business with a German lobbying firm.

Former Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon has announced her intention to work as a senior consultant with the German lobbying firm Von Beust & Coll. Beratungsgesellschaft, based in Hamburg, which provides strategic advice and political positioning services. The firm operates offices in Berlin, Cologne, and Brussels, and includes former politicians among its consultants, such as former German SPD European Parliament member Knut Fleckenstein. Fajon previously worked with Fleckenstein within the Socialist and Democrats group in the European Parliament. She began this new career path after being denied the position of Special Representative of the European Union for the Sahel region, a role supported by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas but opposed by Prime Minister Janez Janša’s government. The candidate selection process was controversial, leading to the appointment of Danish diplomat Birgitte Nygaard Markussen instead. The circumstances surrounding Fajon’s candidacy are still under review by the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Fajon’s decision to work with a German lobbying firm as a continuation of her political career rather than a conflict of interest, emphasizing her previous collaborations with European political figures. It highlights her support from EU officials while downplaying opposition from

Why factuality (85): The article states that Fajon will work with the German firm on business-related issues and geopolitical matters. It references media reports and aligns with other accounts regarding her new role and the firm's activities.

Why objectivity (80): While factual, the article subtly frames her move as a response to not being appointed as an EU representative, which introduces a minor element of narrative beyond pure reporting.

Delo logoDeloIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 809/2/2026
Tanja Fajon is now a consultant for a German lobbying firm.

Former Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon has joined the German lobbying firm Von Beust & Coll. Beratungsgesellschaft as a senior consultant. The firm specializes in representing interests before German and European institutions. Fajon announced her new role on LinkedIn, emphasizing the growing influence of geopolitics on business and innovation. She plans to work with business leaders, international organizations, academic communities, and civil society. Details about specific clients, areas of focus, and office locations remain unclear. The firm provides services to organizations seeking to influence political and regulatory environments. Von Beust & Coll. describes itself as offering strategic, communication, and economic consulting to businesses and legal entities. It helps clients with political positioning, relationship-building with decision-makers, tracking legislative processes, and organizing meetings with political stakeholders. The German lobbyist registry notes that the firm represents third-party interests exclusively and engages with various political factions including CDU, SPD, and Greens. The firm reported expenditures of between €930,000 and €940,000 in 2025,

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about Tanja Fajon’s career move into a lobbying firm without overtly endorsing or criticizing her decision. While the topic involves politics and potential conflicts of interest, the framing remains neutral, focusing on professional transitions rather than a左

Why factuality (85): This article confirms Fajon's transition to a consultancy role with Von Beust & Coll. and includes details about the firm's operations and her LinkedIn announcement. It matches other reports in content and structure.

Why objectivity (80): The tone is mostly neutral but carries a slight undertone of commentary, suggesting that her move was influenced by political factors, which adds a subtle subjective angle.

Dnevnik logoDnevnikIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 809/2/2026
Janša closed the EU door for her, now she's going to the German lobbyists

Tanja Fajon, ex-zunanja ministrica Slovenije in članica Slovenske demokratične stranke, je po koncu ministrskega mandata pričala v svet mednarodnega svetovanja kot višja svetovalka za nemško lobistično podjetje Von Beust & Coll. Sodelovanje ni zaposlitveno, temveč pogodbeno poslovno. Fajon se je prijavila na razpis za položaj posebne predstavnice Evropske unije za Sahel, a jo je nová vlada Janeza Janše zavrnila zaradi ocene, da je postopek nominacije netransparenten. Prejšnja vlada je izbrala Fajon za to položaje, kar je povzročilo napake v procesu. Fajon sodeluje z podjetjem, ki pomaga organizacijam z političnim pozicioniranjem, lobiranjem in odnosmi z oblastmi. Podjetje Von Beust & Coll. deluje v Nemčiji in Evropi, sodeluje z politiki različnih usmeritev.

Bias read (Center): Artikel opisuje dejstvo, da Tanja Fajon sodeluje z nemškim lobističnim podjetjem, kar je politično relevantno, vendar ne izraža zgodnjega ali zgodnjega stališč. Poudarja se kontroverza glede njenega izbora za posebno predstavnico EU za Sahel, kjer je nova vlada zadrugala postopek. Ključna besedila n

Why factuality (85): The article reports Fajon's new role with the firm and aligns with other sources regarding her LinkedIn announcement and the firm's services. It also touches on her previous failed attempt to become an EU representative.

Why objectivity (80): There is a slight editorial tilt in suggesting that this new role might be less vulnerable to political interference, introducing a mild interpretive layer.

N1 Slovenija logoN1 SlovenijaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 809/2/2026
A new challenge for Tanja Fajon: working with a German consulting and lobbying firm

Tanja Fajon, ex-minister for foreign and European affairs under Slovenia's SDS party, has entered into a consulting partnership with the German lobbying firm Von Beust & Coll. Beratungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, based in Hamburg with offices in Berlin, Cologne, and Brussels. The firm specializes in political strategy, communication, and lobbying, and operates within both the EU and Germany. Fajon, who previously failed to secure a position as EU Special Representative for the Sahel region, will work with the firm focusing on EU business operations, geopolitical challenges, and strategic planning across Slovenia, Germany, and Brussels. While she was nominated by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas for the Sahel role, the new government led by Janez Janša has raised concerns over the transparency of her nomination process.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about Fajon’s professional move without overtly endorsing or criticizing either side of the political spectrum. It reports on her collaboration with a German firm and the controversy surrounding her EU nomination, but does not take a clear ideological stance.

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports that Tanja Fajon has started working as a senior adviser with the German firm Von Beust & Coll. It provides details about the company’s activities, including lobbying and political consulting, and mentions her previous role as foreign minister. The information aligns w

Why objectivity (80): The tone remains neutral, focusing on reporting facts rather than taking sides. However, there is a slight emphasis on the significance of her new role and the nature of the firm, which may slightly lean towards highlighting the implications of her move.

Reporter logoReporterIndependentProgressiveFactual 80Objective 759/2/2026
Tanja Fajon got a job that Janša can not torpedo

Tanja Fajon, slovenska političarka, je pričela delovati za nemško podjetje von Beust & Coll. Beratungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, ki se ukvarja s strateškimi, komunikacijskimi in gospodarskimi storitvami. Njeno novo delo je povezano z Bruseljem, kjer bo delala v pisarni podjetja. Članek navaja, da je Fajonova prejšnji poskus postati posebna predstavnica EU za Sahel predstavljali kot sabotiranega zaradi dejstva, da je premier Janez Janša in zunanji minister Tone Kajzer zavrnili njeno angažman. Vsebinsko se članek osredotoča na njeni novi profesionalni potek in povezavo z evropskimi institucijami.

Bias read (Progressive): Članek opisuje Fajonovo novo delo v kontekstu njenih političnih pristopov in povezave z EU, kar kaže na levi orientacijo. Poudarek na tem, da je njen poskus postati predstavnica EU za Sahel zavrnjen zaradi političnih subjektivnosti, lahko interpretira kot levi okvir, ker poudarja politične ovire nad

Why factuality (80): The article confirms Fajon's new role with the firm and cites her LinkedIn profile. While factual, it implies that her new position is more secure than before, which introduces a degree of interpretation.

Why objectivity (75): The tone leans slightly toward implying that her new role is more protected from political sabotage, which suggests a minor editorial bias.

Nova24TV logoNova24TVParty-alignedConservativeFactual 75Objective 509/3/2026
Tanja Fajon's Copernican plant: from social justice to corporate lobbying

The article discusses Tanja Fajon, a former Slovenian politician and member of the Social Democrats, who has announced her intention to work as a consultant for a German lobbying firm, Von Beust & Coll. Beratungsgesellschaft, which represents various industries including oil, plastics, energy, and finance. The firm also advises companies like McDonald's, Coca-Cola, and Mastercard. The article highlights the irony that Fajon, who previously opposed capitalist interests, now works for firms that have faced criticism due to European social democratic policies. It also notes that Fajon's career move comes after her failed bid for a position as Slovenia's special representative to the EU for the Sahel region, which was rejected due to procedural issues. The article questions the transformation of former communist party members into a new elite class within Slovenian politics.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames Tanja Fajon's transition from a 'socially just' politician to a corporate lobbyist in a critical light, suggesting a betrayal of her previous values. While it does not explicitly endorse any political ideology, the tone implies a skepticism toward the integrity of former leftist/左

Why factuality (75): The article references a primary source document from LobbyRegister, but only partially aligns with it. It mentions Victoria Kupsch and Georg Ehrmann as involved in lobbying activities related to specific industries, which matches the primary source. However, it does not accurately reflect the full

Why objectivity (50): The tone of the article is clearly critical and biased towards Tanja Fajon, suggesting she has compromised her political values by becoming a lobbyist. The language used is emotionally charged and presents a one-sided narrative without providing counterpoints or additional context.

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