INSTITUT FUR EUROPAISCHE POLITIK EV

Their core work

IEP is a Berlin-based think tank specializing in European integration policy, EU governance structures, and the EU's external relations. They provide policy-relevant analysis on how the EU differentiates its integration models — from EMU and the single market to foreign policy and migration. Their core contribution to research consortia is expert knowledge on EU institutional dynamics, multilevel governance, and scenario-building for future EU policy directions. They also maintain expertise in EU-Central Asia diplomatic relations and regional networking.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

IEP's H2020 trajectory shows a shift from EU external relations toward internal EU governance challenges. Their earlier work (SEnECA, 2018) focused on EU-Central Asia diplomatic networking, while their later projects (EU IDEA 2019, DiCE 2020) turned inward to address EU differentiation, Brexit implications, and the future architecture of European integration. This reflects the broader post-2016 policy environment where Brexit and internal divisions became the dominant EU research agenda.

IEP is deepening its focus on the structural future of EU integration — expect continued work on differentiated integration models, EU reform scenarios, and governance accountability frameworks.

How they like to work

IEP has never coordinated an H2020 project, consistently joining as a participant or third-party expert — a profile typical of think tanks that contribute policy expertise rather than manage large research operations. With 35 unique partners across 25 countries from just 3 projects, they operate in broad, internationally diverse consortia. This suggests they are well-connected in the European policy research community and comfortable working in large, multi-country teams.

Despite only 3 projects, IEP has collaborated with 35 partners across 25 countries, indicating involvement in large pan-European consortia with wide geographic spread. Their network spans both EU member states and Central Asian countries.

What sets them apart

IEP occupies a specific niche as a German think tank focused on the political architecture of EU integration itself — not a sectoral topic like energy or health, but the meta-question of how the EU organizes and differentiates its governance. This makes them a valuable partner for any consortium needing credible policy analysis on EU institutional dynamics, reform scenarios, or the political feasibility of proposed EU-level actions. Their Berlin location and established network across 25 countries give them strong convening power in the EU policy space.

Highlights from their portfolio

• EU IDEA
  Largest funded project (EUR 303,461) tackling the politically charged question of EU differentiation post-Brexit, covering EMU, migration, defence, and constitutional dimensions.
• SEnECA
  Demonstrates IEP's reach beyond EU-internal affairs into Central Asian geopolitics, a distinctive combination for a European think tank.