Friends of Europe is an independent, non-profit think tank based in Brussels, established in 1999. The organisation positions itself as a platform for EU policy analysis and debate, maintaining strict independence from national interests or EU institutions. Friends of Europe employs around 40 staff members, including nearly 35 full-time equivalents dedicated to its core work.
Its central aim is to connect stakeholders from various backgrounds—policy, business, civil society, academia, and media—to foster open discussion about the future trajectory of Europe. The think tank organizes conferences, working groups, and debates that attract high-level participants, offering ample opportunities for networking and idea exchange. Friends of Europe is known for facilitating dialogue on subjects that are sometimes overlooked in mainstream EU discourse, with a focus on controversial or complex topics.
Key areas of activity include climate, energy and sustainability, digital and data governance, health, peace, security and defence, citizenship, and democracy. The scope is wide, regularly addressing both European and global challenges. Notable current programmes include the European Young Leaders initiative, the Critical Thinking Forum, the Debating Europe platform, and its partnership with the Africa Europe Foundation. Friends of Europe also convenes unique public-private exercises to counter disinformation and hybrid threats, seeking to help EU institutions and leaders address emerging security risks.
The organisation’s impact relies on its ability to bring together diverse perspectives, encouraging practical suggestions for inclusive and sustainable policy solutions. Its record shows almost 80 high-level meetings with European Commission officials and a robust publications output, reflecting its integration into policy debates at the highest European levels.