Organised by the Centre for European Policy Studies – CEPS, one of Europe’s most independent and reputable think-tanks, Ideas Lab is the most high-profile annual event on policies of the European Union. The aim of Ideas Lab is to provide a high-level intellectual forum for exchanges concerning the wide range of current and pressing issues faced by the EU.
The Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association – EMEA is a partner of CEPS and one of the sponsors of Ideas Lab 2025. Our team will be in the booth of EMEA at the Square Brussels Meeting Centre on 3 and 4 March 2025. Furthermore, Prof. Rym Ayadi, EMEA President and Senior Advisor at CEPS, will participate in 2 high level panels:
How can the EU creatively engage with emerging middle powers? – 03 March 2025, 15:15-16:30
The session explores how the EU can enhance its competitiveness and global relevance by engaging strategically with emerging middle powers, particularly in the Global South. It will examine optimal cooperation channels, necessary financial and connectivity mechanisms, and key issue areas for collaboration. The goal is to foster shared interests and strengthen partnerships while accounting for different approaches.
Global Gateway 2.0: a moment of truth – 03 March 2025, 17:00-18:15
The session examines the future of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative amid shifting international dynamics and budget constraints. It will explore how the EU can balance foreign policy interests, development goals, and strategic competition while scaling up the initiative. Key questions include maintaining EU values, navigating a hyper-competitive landscape, and ensuring consistency in partnerships.
Ideas Lab 2025 theme
After a 2024 dominated by elections, rising geopolitical tensions and looming challenges that cannot be avoided, 2025 promises to be yet another year of turbulence, where a ‘new normal’ is beginning to take shape throughout the global order. The EU will need to rely on its own strengths, as traditional allies become less predictable. This is easier said than done due to growing populism and anti-European sentiment across Member States, exacerbated by disinformation campaigns and the increasing influence of social media platforms and key digital figures on the democratic process.
Link to Ideas Lab 2025 agenda: https://ideaslab.ceps.eu/programme/
