2026 opens a new chapter for CEPS. After a year of major transformations and bold projects, we enter the new year with sharpened ambition. A shifting geopolitical landscape, the EU’s need to define its role in an uncertain world, and the rapid rise of new technologies will drive our work.
Our annual reception for members is a moment to take stock together and explore how CEPS’ expanding resources, talent and tools can best support policymakers, businesses, civil society and other stakeholders. Key priorities include new Task Forces on defence and security, quantum and space policy; deeper analysis of AI and Europe’s tech sovereignty; renewed work on the future of jobs; and a major initiative to make EU institutions more agile while simplifying regulation without sacrificing ambition.
We are also launching new partnerships in climate, industrial strategy and competition policy; expanding projects on the rule of law, migration, democracy, enlargement and foreign policy; advancing our research and innovation agenda for the future EU budget; and charting the programme of our new Centre for Global Health.
All this is powered by the growing capabilities of our data science team and the early success of the CEPS Academy, which becomes a core feature of our membership offer in 2026.
After presenting our proposed plans for the year, we look forward to an open discussion with our members – our most important source of insight and inspiration.
