We bring research, convening, and capacity-building together to shape Europe’s macroeconomic policies. Our work combines different functions: we develop original research that addresses pressing European challenges, we incubate and support new think tanks so that expertise grows where it is most needed, and we run expert working groups that connect national debates with EU-level decisions.

Beyond research, EMPN also plays a coordinating role. We regrant philanthropic resources to promising initiatives, provide technical input to governments, parliaments, and EU institutions, and engage with journalists and citizens to ensure that debates around Europe’s
economic future are not confined to experts alone. This combination of functions — analysis, institution-building, convening, and public engagement — is what allows us to deliver impact across borders.

Our focus is on issues where Europe’s prosperity, sovereignty, and sustainability are at stake. We do not seek to cover the full spectrum of economic debates, but concentrate on areas where our network can unlock change. To decide, we apply four criteria:

• Significance: Will progress here bring tangible benefits for Europe’s economies and societies?
• Feasibility: Is there a window of opportunity to influence policy or build momentum now?
• Neglectedness: Is this question overlooked or underexplored in existing policy debates and research?
• Fit: Do our members’ expertise, access, and experience make us well placed to act effectively?

By applying these principles, EMPN ensures that its resources and network are directed where they can make the greatest difference.

Our work is made possible through the generous support of leading European and international philanthropic foundations, including Open Philanthropy, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, Partners for a New Economy, KR Foundation, the European Climate Foundation, and Laudes Foundation.

Independence is central to our model. EMPN alone sets the agenda, defines the methods, and draws the conclusions of our research. Financial supporters have no right to review, edit, delay, or veto our publications, events, or digital products, and we never accept donations
that are conditional on particular findings or policy positions. This principle of research autonomy is what allows us to maintain the trust of policymakers and the public alike.

EMPN is both a European network and a legally independent non-profit organisation headquartered in Brussels. Our structure reflects this dual role:

• Brussels headquarters: Coordinates missions across Europe, manages regranting to national partners and research projects, and ensures that local insights are fed into EU-level debates. It also produces researchs and represents the network to European institutions and international stakeholders.
• National partners: Independent think tanks and research institutes rooted in their domestic debates. Together, they bring the credibility of national voices combined with European coordination.
• Policy fellows: EMPN also works with junior and senior policy fellows, who contribute additional expertise and broaden the network’s research and outreach capacity.

This collaborative architecture allows EMPN to leverage expertise across borders while pursuing a coherent strategy for European impact.

Collaboration is at the heart of EMPN’s work. We usually partner with funders and carefully selected national organisations, but we are always open to new ideas, projects, and partnerships that align with our mission.

If you are a funder looking to support high-impact initiatives, an organisation interested in joint projects, or a think tank wishing to explore joining EMPN as a national partner, we would be glad to hear from you. Criteria for membership include policy expertise in one of our core areas, presence in a European capital, and active engagement in national and/or European policy debates.

For project proposals, collaboration opportunities, or membership enquiries, please contact us at projects@empn.eu.