PROGRAMMES

The European Migration and Diversity  (EMD) Programme provides independent expertise on European migration and asylum policies. The EMD Programme's analyses seek to contribute to sustainable and responsible policy solutions and  are aimed at promoting a positive and constructive dialogue on migration.

The programme follows the policy debate taking a multidisciplinary approach, examining both the legal and political aspects shaping European migration policies. EMD analysts focus, amongst other topics, on the reform of the Common European Asylum System; the management of the EU’s external borders; cooperation with countries of origin and transit; the integration of beneficiaries of international protection into host societies; the links between migration and populism; the development of resettlement and legal pathways; and the EU's free movement acquis. The EMD team benefits from a strong network of academics, NGO representatives and policymakers, who contribute regularly to publications and policy events.

The EPC’s Europe’s Political Economy Programme (EPE) covers topics related to EU economic governance, the single market, industrial and digital policies, and strategic autonomy in the context of today’s deep geo-economic and technological shifts. The programme has contributed actively to these debates over past years, leveraging its convening power, analysis and multistakeholder task force model. EPE analysts pioneered the concept of a ‘wartime economy’ following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with the programme currently running projects focusing on the EU’s ambitions and the private sector’s capacity to deliver on the “triple” green, digital and economic security transitions. As fast-advancing components of ‘economic security’, digital and emerging technologies, such as quantum, are priority areas of focus. Linked to the changing international context, the programme also focuses on trade policy, the transatlantic agenda and the EU-US Trade and Technology Council, China, and the EU’s close economic partnerships (UK, EEA, Switzerland). The EPE Programme consists of a young and dynamic team of five, with recent recruitments bolstering analytical capacities linked to economic growth and crises, resilience and recovery, emerging tech and cybersecurity.

The Europe in the World programme scrutinises the impact of a changing international system on Europe and probes how the EU and its member states can leverage their untapped potential to advance their interests and values on a regional and global level. It thus examines the EU’s relations with major powers, such as the United States, China, and Russia, and how Europe can contribute to a rules-based global order. Secondly, the programme focuses on the role of the EU in fostering reform, resilience and stability in neighbouring regions and looks closely at developments in Turkey and Ukraine, among other countries. Thirdly, the programme examines how the EU can strengthen its security in the face of terrorism, violent extremism, as well as hybrid and cyber threats. It also seeks to advance the debate on Europe’s defence policy.

The Programme is structured around the following priorities:

• Strengthening the social dimension of EU policies and governance for upward social convergence.

• Towards a modern and inclusive labour market.

• Making European welfare states and social protection systems ‘future-fit’ in the light of ongoing labour market transformation.

• Investing in human capital for greater well-being and less inequality, with a particular focus on health.

The EPC’s work on health - mainly through the long-standing partnership with Johnson & Johnson under the CHES banner - has a particular focus on the ethical aspects, especially issues related to access, affordability and patient choice.

The activities under this Programme are closely integrated with other EPC focus areas, especially those related to migration and the economy, with a view to providing more ‘joined-up’ policy solutions.

In 2017, the EPC launched the programme Connecting Europe, a joint initiative of EPC and Stiftung Mercator.

Connecting Europe enables projects and organisations supported by Stiftung Mercator to actively engage with EU policymakers in Brussels. The programme focuses on joint activities on the future of Europe, democracy, youth, climate, migration and other key issues. 

By conducting those activities, Connecting Europe fosters an open, constructive dialogue between member states and decision-makers in Brussels. It promotes sustainable exchanges between civil society initiatives on the ground and the policy community in Brussels. The project aims to enhance mutual understanding between EU countries and to positively contribute to the cohesion of the European project.

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