Friends of Europe

What began in 1999 as a vision to bridge the gap between European policy and its citizens has evolved into one of Brussels' most influential independent think tanks. Founded by Giles Merritt and Geert Cami, Friends of Europe was established with a clear mission: to stimulate new thinking on the future of Europe and to broaden the debate beyond the traditional 'Brussels bubble'. From its inception, the organisation sought to be more than just a research institute; it aimed to be a catalyst for change, connecting people from diverse backgrounds to confront ideas and break down silos between politicians, businesses, and civil society.

Over the past two decades, Friends of Europe has grown into a dynamic platform for dialogue, known for its 'no national or party political bias' approach. It has successfully launched major initiatives such as the 'Debating Europe' citizen engagement platform and the 'European Young Leaders' programme, which identifies and connects the continent's most promising talents. Today, the organisation continues to tackle the most pressing challenges facing Europe—from peace, security, and defence to climate change and digital governance—ensuring that all viewpoints are represented and that the path to a more inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking Europe is paved with open, insightful, and fact-based debate.