Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies

Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies The official think tank and political foundation of the EPP, led by Mikulas Dzurinda.

The Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies (previously the Centre for European Studies) was established in 2007 as the political foundation and official think tank of the European People’s Party (EPP). It embodies a pan-European mind-set based on centre-right, Christian Democrat, conservative and like-minded political values and research. It serves as a framework for national political foundations linked to member parties of the EPP, with 29 foundations currently members. Through its research, publications, conferences and online activities, the Martens Centre offers a platform for discussion among experts, politicians, policymakers and the European public. At the beginning of 2014, the Centre was renamed in honour of its late President and founder, Wilfried Martens, the EPP’s long-standing President and former Prime Minister of Belgium.

Before we ask where Europe’s centre-right is going, we should ask what holds it together 🔗 Christian democracy and conse...
01/10/2026

Before we ask where Europe’s centre-right is going, we should ask what holds it together 🔗

Christian democracy and conservatism share political ground, but they are distinct traditions facing new pressures. The rise of the radical right is making the question of their identity and future increasingly important.

On 13 October, we will meet in Rome to discuss those questions and launch "Christian Democracy, Conservatism and the Challenge of the Extremes."

Bringing together different perspectives on the future of the European centre-right, we’ll be joined by:
▶️ Carlo Corazza, Head of the Office of the European Parliament,
▶️ AntonioPolito, Columnist, Corriere della Sera,
▶️ Gaetano Quagliariello, Dean, Luiss School of Government
▶️ Dr. Federico Ottavio Reho Senior Research Officer, Martens Centre,
▶️ Klaus Welle, Academic Council Chair, Martens Centre
▶️ Flavia Giacobbe, Director, Formiche,

We will look beyond electoral strategy to the ideas, values and political choices that could shape the centre-right’s future in Europe.

Register below 👇

A country can be scientifically powerful and still not have scientific freedom ☢️That distinction is becoming impossible...
29/09/2026

A country can be scientifically powerful and still not have scientific freedom ☢️

That distinction is becoming impossible for Europe to ignore.

From political pressure on research in the US to state control in China and debates over decolonising knowledge, Dr. Peter Hefele identifies one underlying struggle:

▶️ Who ultimately decides what counts as knowledge?

The answer is not a defence of “Western science”. It is a defence of universal principles that put evidence above authority, criticism above obedience and intellectual freedom above political control.

Read the full analysis 👇

What if Russian elections are not designed to measure public opinion? 🤷‍♀️Russia’s 2026 parliamentary vote delivered a c...
24/09/2026

What if Russian elections are not designed to measure public opinion? 🤷‍♀️

Russia’s 2026 parliamentary vote delivered a comfortable victory for United Russia. But the more interesting question is why the Kremlin considered the election necessary in the first place.

Teona Lavrelashvili's new analysis argues that Russian elections serve purposes beyond electoral competition. They can reinforce legitimacy, test administrative capacity, mobilise society and project an image of wartime normality.

The result is a challenge for Europe. Understanding Russian politics requires looking beyond vote shares and seat counts to the functions elections perform inside the system.

Read the full analysis 👇

Who writes the rules for AI will shape the next global economy 🦾 The global AI conversation is often framed as a contest...
23/09/2026

Who writes the rules for AI will shape the next global economy 🦾

The global AI conversation is often framed as a contest between Washington and Beijing. But that framing overlooks a reality, the EU and India have complementary strengths that could influence how AI is governed worldwide.

Our newest publication identifies five practical paths for cooperation that could redefine global AI governance and strengthen democratic leadership in the digital age.

Read Urmi Tat's full analysis to understand why the next major AI partnership may not be between competitors, but between like-minded partners 📚

Link below 👇

Europe's priorities are changing. Today's State of the Union confirmed it ✅ Yesterday, President Ursula von der Leyen ou...
17/09/2026

Europe's priorities are changing.
Today's State of the Union confirmed it ✅

Yesterday, President Ursula von der Leyen outlined her vision for the European Union at a time when Europe is facing mounting security challenges and growing pressure on its economy.

Compared with previous years, the emphasis has shifted:

🪖 Support for Ukraine remains unwavering,
☀️ Climate policy is linked to industrial strength and energy security,
📱 Competitiveness has moved centre stage.

So what do these changes tell us about the direction of Europe?

Our team of experts identifies five messages that stood out and explains why they matter for Europe's future.

Read our analysis 👇

📣 SAVE THE DATE 📣The wait is over.The European Ideas Forum 2026 is officially on the calendar!In less than three months,...
16/09/2026

📣 SAVE THE DATE 📣
The wait is over.

The European Ideas Forum 2026 is officially on the calendar!

In less than three months, leading policymakers, experts, academics, and political leaders will gather for two days of debate, ideas, and discussions about Europe's future.

This is where ideas meet action.

More announcements coming soon.
🗓️ 8-9 December 2026 📍 DoubleTree by Hilton, Brussels

🚨 South Korea just delivered one of the first major warnings of the AI economy.After doubling in value between January a...
10/09/2026

🚨 South Korea just delivered one of the first major warnings of the AI economy.

After doubling in value between January and June 2026, South Korea's stock market fell by nearly 40% in just one month. What appeared to be a broad market rally had become heavily concentrated around companies linked to the AI ecosystem.

As Eoin Drea argues, the lesson goes beyond South Korea. AI-linked stocks account for around 45% of the S&P 500's market capitalisation, while just three Hyperscalers are responsible for roughly 70% of earnings growth expectations.

What does this mean for global markets and Europe's economic resilience?

📖 Read the full analysis 👇

We have just wrapped up two inspiring days at the EPP Summer University 2026 in Dublin 🍀 ✨ As co-organisers of this fla...
02/09/2026

We have just wrapped up two inspiring days at the EPP Summer University 2026 in Dublin 🍀 ✨

As co-organisers of this flagship EPP initiative, we were proud to bring together academics, policymakers and political leaders to discuss some of the defining questions facing Europe today:
▶️ Democratic resilience,
▶️ Technological sovereignty,
▶️ Europe's long-term strategic vision,...

Throughout the programme, experts actively contributed to the debate, helping to bridge research, policy and political action.

A sincere thank you to Trinity College Dublin, all speakers and participants for making this edition such a success.

📸 Here are some highlights from the event.

What if Europe's answer to China isn't in Asia?It's in Latin America 🚢🌎While Europe struggles with slowing productivity ...
01/09/2026

What if Europe's answer to China isn't in Asia?
It's in Latin America 🚢🌎

While Europe struggles with slowing productivity and growing dependence on critical imports, Latin America holds some of the resources that will power the green and digital transitions:
🔹 40% of global copper production
🔹 68% of identified lithium reserves
🔹 A region attracting growing strategic interest from global powers

In this new publication, Jorge Jraissati argues that Europe and Latin America are natural economic partners, with complementary strengths and shared opportunities.

But the window may not stay open forever.

📖 Read the full paper: https://www.martenscentre.eu/publication/europe-and-latin-america-a-solution-to-each-others-economic-challenges/

Europe can no longer take stability for granted. 🚨 The return of hard power is rewriting the rules of international poli...
28/08/2026

Europe can no longer take stability for granted. 🚨
The return of hard power is rewriting the rules of international politics.

As geopolitical competition intensifies, Europe's security challenges are no longer confined to its borders. The Mediterranean, the Eastern neighbourhood and wider global developments are becoming inseparable parts of the same strategic picture.

Our new publication launch event brings together the authors of the latest issue of the European View to discuss where Europe stands and what comes next.
💡 What are the biggest risks ahead?
💡 Which tools does Europe have to shape its environment?
💡 How can security and integration reinforce each other?

Featuring:
▶️ Tomi Huhtanen Executive Director, Martens Centre
▶️ Alessia Chiriatti Researcher, Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa programme,
▶️ André P. DeBattista Lecturer, the Institute for European Studies, University of Malta
▶️ Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy, PhD Anna Ferenczy Adjunct Assistant Professor, National D**g Hwa University
▶️ Mihai Mogildea Deputy Director, Institute for European Policies and Reforms
▶️ Sami Nader Director of the Institute of Political Science, Saint Joseph University,
▶️ Salome Samadashvili Senior Fellow, Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies

Join us for a forward-looking debate. Secure your place 👇

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