Mission 
& Vision

Europe is in danger. Its foundational structures—social protections, stable institutions, and economic unity—are faltering under the weight of seismic global shifts: geopolitical instability & trade wars, technological upheaval, demographic change and climate disruption.

Mission 
& Vision

The European debate is polarised. Solutions are siloed.

Think tanks produce knowledge but often lacks societal impact or implementation power. Civil society has passion but often lacks influence. The private sector is disjointed across 27 regulatory frameworks. Meanwhile, trust in democratic institutions plummets, and innovation is stifled by systemic risk aversion.

The political extremes are mobilised, coordinated, and generously funded, too often undermining press freedom, civic space and democratic norms. In contrast, centrist, constructive, democratic actors are underfunded, fragmented, and vulnerable.

This is the moment to reclaim the narrative. Europe needs a counterforce of equal ambition, backed by strategic capital, high-level talent, and a grassroots mandate. This is what we deliver.

Our Foundation bridges think tank excellence with deep civic participation, driving change with speed, scale and purpose.

Our model : Invent. Impact. Engage

We are not another project-based organisation. We are building a permanent pan-European platform that connects Europe’s brightest minds, boldest leaders, and most engaged citizens—delivering fast, scalable, and systemic solutions.

Our approach structured into 3 pillars

Invent

We innovate policies on issues from climate resilience to AI for good, bridging research with real delivery.

Impact

We amplify ideas through advocacy, media and public and private sectors engagement across Europe.

Engage

We combat disinformation, inspire civic participation and empower citizens.

Kicking off the Jacques Delors Friends of Europe Foundation: a grand launch in Brussels

On October 15, during the prestigious annual President’s Gala Dinner, the Jacques Delors Institutes (Paris, Brussels, Berlin) and Friends of Europe officially launched the Jacques Delors Friends of Europe Foundation, a unique, pan-European independent initiative that combines the strengths of world-class think tank expertise, strategic advocacy, private sector and citizen engagement, and powerful communications.

The following day, during the 22nd edition of the State of Europe high-level roundtable and festival of ideas, now a fixture of the European calendar, we had the honour of bringing together over 250 influential VIP guests from more than 40 countries.

Together, we tackled the major issues of our time and the key challenges facing Europe today. From the next EU budget and the completion of the Single Market, to the green and digital transitions, enlargement, security and resilience, and Europe’s role on the global stage, the discussions provided rich food for thought that will help shape the Foundation’s future work.

Kicking off the Jacques Delors Friends of Europe Foundation: a grand launch in Brussels