Thinking ahead for Europe since 1983

Founded in Brussels in 1983, CEPS is a leading think tank and forum for debate on EU affairs, ranking among the top think tanks in Europe.

Our team comprises approximately 60 researchers and 18 support staff from 23 nationalities as well as an extensive network of partner institutes.

With an exceptionally strong in-house research capacity, we offer exchanges, provide insights on and potential solutions for EU policy-making.

Our researchers provide expert insights and policy analysis across a vast array of policy areas: from economy to energy and climate, to foreign policy, amongst others.

What is Ideas Lab?

The most high-profile annual event on policies of the European Union

The aim of Ideas Lab is to provide a high-level intellectual forum for exchanges concerning the wide range of current and pressing issues faced by the EU. The discussions are open, insightful and impactful, with the active involvement of policymakers, researchers and representatives from industries and the civil society.

The Gathering of Top Influencers in EU Policies

Past editions of our flagship event saw the participation of thought leaders such as Kristalina Georgieva, Pascal Lamy and László Andor; European Ministers the likes of Didier Reynders and Ylva Johansson; Jean-Claude Juncker, Pierre Moscovici and Carlos Moedas of the European Commission; prominent MEPs such as Philippe Lamberts, as well as world-renowned thinkers – Ivan Krastev and Andrew Moravcsik.

A unique platform for thinking ahead for Europe

Of course, our aim is not to be the mouthpiece of policymakers. Which is why our guests come from all over Europe and beyond, from all sectors, and from both practitioners and academics. Our aim is for CEPS Ideas Lab to be the unique platform outside the established channels to question commonly-accepted policy positions and look for new approaches to meet the challenges faced by Europe and the world.