The number of European think tanks and their influence on policy decision-making has grown significantly during the past two decades. In Europe’s current political climate, their capacity to respond quickly to increasing policy challenges can be instrumental in countering issues with effective and evidence-informed responses. But to effectively fulfil this role, think tanks need to enhance their transnational capacity and collaboration.
The EPC is currently exploring the potential for establishing a European Think Tank House (ETTH) in Brussels, underpinned by the European Alliance of Independent Think Tanks (EAITT), encompassing the community of think tanks. Their establishment would create a stronger link between Brussels/EU, national policymaking and increase the capacity and financial sustainability of think tanks committed to supporting democratic processes in Europe. This is especially important given the ‘permacrises’, the war against Ukraine, and the fundamental transitions, such as addressing climate change. Both will be developed through a collaborative process among think tanks across Europe that are invested in this project. By expanding the structural capacities of the European think tank sector at large and strengthening EU and national exchanges, the ETTH and EAITT promise to have a unique impact on the European think tank ecosystem.
As a first step, the demand for such a project will be explored, as well as its feasibility. Supported by the Open Society Foundations, this project assesses, along with an extensive consultation process, the demand for European think tanks in Brussels, the constraints, and whether a joint ETTH/EAITT would be beneficial.