Eastern Partnership Think Tank Network

The Eastern Partnership Think Tank Network (EaP TTN) provides strategic analysis and policy guidance that is urgently needed to navigate the shifting geopolitical landscape caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its consequences. This ongoing war has fundamentally altered the regional balance of power, intensifying concerns around security, connectivity, and energy independence. Under the second presidency of Donald Trump, the United States contributes to this changing order by advocating for transactional, business-based relations. President Trump’s attempts to push for a deal between Russia and Ukraine that could benefit Russia undermine the transatlantic relationship and established role of the United States in Europe. 

In light of these geopolitical developments and the heightened influence of external actors such as Turkey, Iran, and China, EaP TTN works to deepen understanding of policies related to EU enlargement and the EU’s Eastern Neighborhood and their effects. By delivering strategic, timely insights, the network supports EU institutions and member states, as well as Eastern Partnership policymakers, in adapting to an evolving regional context.

Due to the EU accession process of Ukraine and Moldova, the EU’s Neighborhood Policy has become intertwined with its enlargement policy. Consequently, the European Union must play a more active geopolitical role. Because EaP TTN is designed to be a strategic platform that offers policy recommendations, expert analysis, and enhanced capacity-building for think tanks across the EU and EaP region, it can support the EU as it makes this shift. With contributions from more than 90 organizations, EaP TTN serves as a hub that not only unites think tanks and policymakers but also strengthens the quality and impact of policy research relevant to both the EU and the countries in its Eastern Neighborhood.

EaP TTN is uniquely positioned to address the needs of its primary audience: policymakers, policy experts, and think tanks across the EU, EaP, Central Asia, and Western Balkans. By fostering two-way communication between think tanks and EU policymakers, the network helps ensure that policy-relevant research directly informs decision-making and that policymakers’ insights shape research priorities. This project also addresses challenges faced by think tanks in the EaP and EU, particularly those that are less established and need support to build their capacity to produce impactful policy outputs.

Through its work, EaP TTN promotes informed, strategic discussions that will guide the EU’s approach to its Eastern Neighborhood and enlargement, ultimately contributing to a more secure and geopolitically engaged Europe.

Activities

Policy Events and Networking

• EaP Think Tank Network Colloquium (CQ): An annual event focused on policy discussions, capacity-building, and research exchange among think tanks, researchers, and EU institutions
• High-level annual event in Brussels: A yearly public event that brings together key EU decision-makers and EaP think tank representatives to discuss trends and strategies in neighborhood policy
• Strategic brainstorming meetings: Small, closed meetings held twice a year to generate new ideas and discuss region-specific strategies for decision-makers

Thematic Workshops and Briefings

• Thematic workshops: Online, closed-door discussions held twice a year to address pressing issues related to Eastern Partnership policy in a confidential setting
• Informal briefings: Request-driven sessions, held primarily for DG NEAR and the EEAS, to provide timely, on-demand analysis on key regional developments

Research and Strategic Publications

• Policy papers and input papers: In-depth analyses on key neighborhood policy topics
• Research memos: Summarized insights from research trips that offer concise policy recommendations for EU institutions and member states

Regional Engagement and Research Visits

• Research trips: Annual visits to Eastern Partnership countries and relevant EU member states to gather on-the-ground insights, including through workshops with partner think tanks
• Cross-regional thematic exchanges: Joint publications or events with think tanks from Central Asia, the Western Balkans, and the Black Sea region to discuss shared policy challenges

Capacity Building and Training Initiatives

• Think Tank School: Annual invitation of two to four network members to participate in professional training modules in Berlin and Brussels
• Mentorship within the EaP Think Tank Network Colloquium: Mid-career researchers from the network collaborate with experienced mentors to develop policy papers for the Colloquium, enhancing their analytical skills and policy expertise

Network Communications

• Network newsletter: A regular newsletter that distributes publications by members of EaP TTN

Participating Think Tanks

The Think Tank Network on the Eastern Partnership currently connects more than 90 think tank members.

Join Us

Think tanks from the EU, the Eastern neighborhood, and other European countries are invited to join on a rolling basis.

Please note that participation in the network’s activities is not open to academics who do not have a think tank affiliation or to organizations that are fully funded by their governments.

If you would like to join the network, please get in touch with Anastasia Pociumban at DGAP.