The most influential annual event on European policies
Since 2014, Ideas Lab has brought together EU policymakers, experts and industry leaders for open, impactful discussions on Europe’s key policy challenges.
02
MARCH
Plenaries
Lab sessions
Walking dinner
Lab sessions
Walking dinner
03
MARCH
Plenaries
Lab sessions
Closed-door meetings
Why attend
Ideas Lab?
Explore Europe’s
policy challenges
policy challenges
Dive into parallel sessions covering a wide spectrum of topics, with active participation from policymakers, experts, industry and civil society.
Discover a forum
for new ideas
for new ideas
Ideas Lab offers a truly open space for insightful debate, encouraging bold thinking and meaningful exchanges to explore new approaches to Europe’s evolving challenges.
Connect with
policy leaders
policy leaders
Meet high-level participants including Commissioners, MEPs, national leaders, ambassadors, CEOs, academics and practitioners from across Europe and beyond.
Our speakers
The challenges that Europe and its namesake Union face today aren’t going anywhere. On the contrary, the EU’s unity and political cohesion are being put to the test at a time when crucial decisions still need to be taken. Under these circumstances, strengthening and widening the EU will be difficult to achieve.
Ideas Lab 2026 will showcase CEPS’ interdisciplinary and data-driven research that seeks to analyse and influence these developments. Join us on 2 and 3 March 2026 in Brussels for two days of thought-provoking discussions at The Square, with some of Europe’s top policymakers and boldest innovators.
At the top of the agenda is a European security pillar, as Europe is confronted with increasing hybrid warfare from Russia and a loosening transatlantic alliance.
On our economy, Europe needs to reflect more confidence and preparedness for the future, through enhanced cooperation in R&I, digitalisation and higher mobility.
In our institutions, Europe needs to demonstrate its resolve to protect and build upon its many achievements.
Ideas Lab is designed to be a true ‘ideas factory’, combining high-level plenaries and a wide array of lab sessions. Through its in-depth debates, participants will have the opportunity to explore practical, actionable solutions to some of Europe’s most pressing challenges.
IDEAS LAB
The 2026 edition
Our supporters
Ideas Lab offers the opportunity to align your organisation with the leading European policy networking event in Brussels. There are support opportunities available to suit varying budgets and to focus on brand visibility, expert insights and high-level networking.
#cepslab2025
in a nutshell
