“Local action, European impact: Strengthening democratic resilience” | Nets4Dem Final Conference
The question of how to strengthen democratic resilience is gaining new prominence in the EU policy debate. The European Democracy Shield and the new European Centre for Democratic Resilience have given fresh momentum to this discussion. The focus is not solely on countering disinformation, foreign interference and other threats. It is also about strengthening democracy from within. This holistic approach means (re)building trust, […]
“The European Democracy Shield: From intention to reality” | Democracy Retreat #6
NB. This event is by invitation only On 12 November 2025, building on the European Democracy Action Plan and the Defence of Democracy Package, the European Commission launched the European Democracy Shield (EDS), the EU’s roadmap for democracy support. With around 50 proposed actions across three priorities (information integrity, media and elections, and citizen engagement) […]
Media Literacy Incubator: Countering the Impact of Disinformation in Croatia
The call for applications to the ‟Media Literacy Incubator: Countering the Impact of Disinformation in Croatiaˮ is now open. The event will take place on Friday, 15 May 2026, in Zagreb, Croatia, bringing together young people interested in media literacy, democracy, and critical thinking. The application deadline is 26 April. The Media Literacy Incubator is part of […]
Job Vacancy: Project Assistant (full-time) [DEADLINE PASSED]
About TEPSA The Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA) is an independent research network comprising 50 leading universities and research institutes in the field of European affairs throughout Europe, managed by the TEPSA Secretariat in Brussels. The TEPSA Secretariat manages and implements several EU-funded projects, within which it strives to maximise the policy and societal […]
Job Vacancy: Director of Programmes (full-time, Brussels-based) [Deadline Passed]
About TEPSA The Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA) is the first EU affairs research network, founded in 1974 and headquartered in Brussels. TEPSA brings together 50 leading universities and research institutes across 37 European countries, bridging the gap between research, policymaking, and citizens through its “Triple A” approach: Analysis, Assessment, and Advice. From its […]
Closed-door meeting – Workshop Edition: “Visioning scenarios for 2035”, 24 March 2026
As part of our activities in the framework of the InvigoratEU Expert Hub on EU Enlargement, on 24 March 2026, Barcelona Centre for International Affairs (CIDOB) and the Institut für Europäische Politik (IEP) organised the group’s fourth closed-door meeting with the support of TEPSA and Carnegie Europe. The meeting took place under the Chatham House […]
Call for applications | TEPSA Academy & Skills Lab 2026: “European strategic autonomy” [Deadline: 19 April]
Recent geopolitical developments have led to the return of power politics and the fragmentation of multilateralism worldwide. With the transatlantic relationship under increasing pressure since the return of the Trump administration, Europe needs to learn how to shape its own future and maintain its position as a strong player on a global level. The concept […]
InvigoratEU Academy on EU Enlargement: Completing the European project [Deadline passed]
Enlargement has long served as one of the European Union’s most powerful tools for ensuring stability, prosperity, and democratic values beyond its borders, as well as within. Today, however, confronted with fundamental geopolitical shocks, the EU’s resilience and the adaptability of its enlargement and neighbourhood policies are increasingly tested. With renewed momentum for enlargement since […]
Greece – U.S. relations and the future of transatlantic cooperation, 15 January 2026
On Thursday 15 January 2026, the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP), in collaboration with the Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA), organised a panel discussion on “Greece-U.S. relations and the future of transatlantic cooperation”. The event took place from 19:00 at the Demos Center of the American College of Greece (Ipitou 17b, […]
Job Vacancy: Communications Assistant (full-time) [Deadline Passed]
About TEPSA The Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA) is an independent research network comprising 50 leading universities and research institutes specialising in European affairs. Its Secretariat is based in Brussels. TEPSA implements a range of EU-funded projects that aim to translate research into real-world impact. This work includes organising conferences and trainings, producing videos […]
ActEU Final Conference | Detached, distrustful, disengaged? Rethinking democracy in today’s Europe | 5 February 2026
Is political trust eroding under the pressure of crises and growing polarisation? Across Europe, citizens are confronted with intensifying divides over issues such as immigration, climate change, and gender equality. These divides increasingly shape political attitudes and behaviours, challenging the legitimacy of democratic institutions and weakening the foundations of representative democracy. The Horizon Europe-funded project […]
“Debating European Democracy”, 24 November 2025
In the evening of 24 November 2025, the Trans European Policy Studies Association organised the interactive “Debating European Democracy” event, a closed-door discussion on some of the current challenges to democratic values and the rule of law faced by the EU and its Member States. The event was moderated by TEPSA’s Project Manager, Allegra Wirmer, […]
ActEU Paper Contest | “Act for democracy: Policy solutions for the future” [DEADLINE PASSED]
“Democracy is in danger!” Unfortunately, this is becoming a recurring statement, as it’s shown by the decline in trust levels in democratic institutions, diminished political participation and rising polarisation. For the first time in 20 years, there are more autocracies than democracies in the world. Will this trend continue unabated? Or is this a temporary […]
Closed-door meeting: “EU enlargement policy under pressure: continuing democratisation while fighting a war and hybrid interference”, 25 November 2025
As part of our activities in the framework of the InvigoratEU Expert Hub on EU Enlargement, on 25 November 2025, TEPSA organised the group’s third closed-door meeting in cooperation with Carnegie Europe. The meeting took place under the Chatham House Rule. About the Expert Hub on EU Enlargement The InvigoratEU Expert Hub gathers an exclusive […]
“Tailoring democracy support in EU enlargement countries?” | Democracy Retreat #5
NB. This event was by invitation only The fifth edition of our Nets4Dem Democracy Retreat brought together EU and national policy-makers, researchers and democracy practitioners for a closed-door lunch debate on democracy support in enlargement countries, with a focus on civil society. Russia’s war against Ukraine has plunged Europe into a period of heightened instability, bringing EU enlargement to […]
Portugal and transatlantic relations: A bridge between the US and Europe
With the return of Trump and the increasingly ambivalent messages coming from Washington, the transatlantic relationship is facing serious challenges in areas such as trade, climate policy, multilateral cooperation, and defence. How does Portugal view this changing relationship? And how has the country’s foreign policy changed since the second Trump administration? To discuss the latest […]
InvigoratEU Youth Lab, 21 November 2025
On 21 November, TEPSA welcomed a group of 26 students and young graduates from across Europe to the InvigoratEU Youth Lab, to discuss and collect their policy recommendations on how to re-invigorate the EU Enlargement and Neighbourhood policy in a changing geopolitical context. Their suggestions included: These ideas will feed directly into the project research and […]
Online Debate: “Western Balkans–US Relations: Between integration and geopolitics” | 15 October 2025
The relationship between the United States (US) and the countries of the Western Balkans has long been a defining factor for stability, democratisation, and Euro-Atlantic integration in the region. Since the conflicts of the 1990s, the US has played a critical role in conflict resolution, state-building, and security guarantees, while also encouraging political reforms and […]
ActEU Video Contest | “Through my eyes: Stories of democracy” [DEADLINE PASSED]
What does democracy look like to you? Is it electing your representatives and trusting them to make decisions that benefit the general interests? Is it feeling part of a society and of the decisions that affect you? Or is it about fighting for your struggles: for change, for being heard, having your voice matter? In […]
“How can youth participation become a blueprint for renewing European democracy?” | Democracy Retreat #4
NB. This event was by invitation only This fourth edition of our Nets4Dem Democracy Retreat brought together EU, national and UN policy-makers, researchers and democracy practitioners for a closed-door dinner debate on the future of youth engagement in EU decision-making. Building on the legacy of the European Year of Youth 2022, the Pact for the […]
TEPSA Board Elections, 2026-2029 term
TEPSA is seeking candidatures for new Board Members to serve in the coming three-year term of the TEPSA Board, starting January 2026. TEPSA is managed by a Board, whose Chairperson and other members are appointed by the organisation’s General Assembly (Art. 18, TEPSA Statutes). TEPSA’s Statutes stipulate that the Board must consist of a minimum […]
Job Vacancy: Project Officer (full-time) [Deadline Passed]
About TEPSA The Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA) is an independent research network comprising 49 leading universities and research institutes in the field of European affairs throughout Europe, managed by the TEPSA Secretariat in Brussels. The TEPSA Secretariat manages and implements several EU-funded projects, within which it strives to maximise the policy and societal […]
Job Vacancy: TEPSA Communications Officer (full time) [Deadline Passed]
About TEPSA The Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA) is an independent research network comprising 49 leading universities and research institutes in the field of European affairs throughout Europe, managed by the TEPSA Secretariat in Brussels. The TEPSA Secretariat manages and implements several EU-funded projects, within which it strives to maximise the policy and societal […]
Online Debate: “The United States and the Future of Europe: Perspectives from Romania”, 18 June 2025
“With the second term won by Donald J. Trump, one could say that ‘everything must change for everything to remain the same’. This is especially true in the area of security and defence, where Romania has a strong dependence on its strategic partner – the U.S.” The European Union’s (EU) place on the world stage […]
Closed-door meeting: “How can the EU counter Russian interference in the EU’s neighbourhood?”, 12 May 2025
As part of our activities in the framework of the InvigoratEU Expert Hub on EU Enlargement, on 12 May 2025 TEPSA organised the group’s second closed-door meeting in cooperation with Carnegie Europe. The meeting took place under the Chatham House Rule. About the Expert Hub on EU Enlargement The InvigoratEU Expert Hub gathers an exclusive […]
“The Future of Transatlantic Relations” | TEPSA Book Launch
With the second Trump administration in full swing, cosying up to America’s enemies while alienating its friends, the question of transatlantic relations has never been higher on the agenda. And it is not just about relations between the European Union (EU) and the United States (US): America’s wholesale withdrawal from its previous position on the […]
Frontiers of truth: Reclaiming liberal democracy in a post-factual world | RECLAIM Final Conference
Is liberal democracy under existential threat in the age of post-truth politics? In recent years, what feels true has too often outweighed what is true. Emotions and personal beliefs have been replacing facts, eroding trust in liberal democracy and its institutions. The Horizon-Europe funded “RECLAIM – Reclaiming Liberal Democracy in the Postfactual Age” project has […]
Europa Club Wien: “EU-USA: Make of break? The futureof the transatlantic relationship” | 2 June [German language event]
The transatlantic relationship between the US and Europe is not what it used to be. Assessments of the rules-based world order, security and trade issues and democratic values are diverging. Ambivalent signals from Washington are forcing Europe to stand on its own two feet, to rethink, to free itself from dependencies. How resolutely is Europe […]
Public Debate: “The United States and the Future of Europe: Views from the Capitals”, Bratislava, 12 May
With a new Trump administration in the White House, breaking the rules of the international order for a second term in office, the latest TEPSA book, “The United States and the Future of Europe: Views from the Capitals”, edited by Michael Kaeding, Johannes Pollak, and Paul Schmidt, could not be more relevant to ongoing European […]
ActEU Trans-National Youth Democracy Lab, 10 June 2025
On 10 June 2025, TEPSA hosted the Trans-National Youth Democracy Lab as part of the Horizon Europe ActEU project (“Activating European Citizens’ Trust in Times of Crises and Polarisation”). This online event gathered 24 young Europeans to discuss ways to restore faith in democracy, fight polarisation and false information, and make political representation more inclusive. […]
“The Future of EU Enlargement: Building a Stronger and Safer Europe” | InvigoratEU Mid-Term Conference
How can the EU invigorate its enlargement and neighbourhood policy to enhance Europe’s resilience? This is the fundamental question posed by the “InvigoratEU: Invigorating Enlargement And Neighbourhood Policy For A Resilient Europe (InvigoratEU)“project. In an era where the global order is regularly being upturned, with adversarial powers such as Russia continuing to engage in existential military […]
ActEU’s Belgian Youth Democracy Lab
On 9 April 2025, TEPSA and the Institute for European Studies of the Université Libre de Bruxelles (IEE-ULB) co-organised the ActEU Belgian Youth Democracy Lab. The event was embedded in the university course Questions de science politique interne, part of the second-year Bachelor’s programme in Political Science at the ULB. The workshop, held in French, […]
RECLAIM Student Paper Contest: “Future-proofing liberal democracy: Strategies for resilience in an era of post-truth politics” [ DEADLINE PASSED]
In the era of post-truth politics, where emotional appeals and misinformation often overshadow objective facts, liberal democracies face unprecedented challenges. To counter these challenges, there is a pressing need to re-evaluate how information is disseminated and consumed and to assess liberal democracies’ ability to adapt and implement strategies that reinforce democratic values while countering the […]
Vacancy Notice: Project Assistant (full time) [DEADLINE PASSED]
About TEPSA The Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA) is an independent research network comprising 49 leading universities and research institutes in the field of European affairs throughout Europe, managed by the TEPSA Secretariat in Brussels. The TEPSA Secretariat manages and implements several EU-funded projects, within which it strives to maximise the policy and societal […]
TEPSA Academy & Skills Lab 2025: “EU Equality and Anti-Discrimination Policy”
Recent years have seen the emergence of actors in Europe and worldwide who seek to curtail the enjoyment of fundamental rights for women, gender-diverse people and ethnic and religious minorities. The rise of radical and illiberal actors, part of the greater phenomenon of democratic decline across the globe, has triggered a backlash against diversity and […]
ActEU Civil Society Network Workshop
On 13 December 2024, the Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA) organised the ActEU Civil Society Network Workshop. The event followed the project’s Mid-Term Conference, “Strengthening democracy: Building trust and tackling polarisation in Europe”, which took place on 12 December in Brussels. This workshop aimed to facilitate a constructive dialogue between ActEU researchers and members […]
ActEU Mid-Term Conference: “Strengthening democracy: Building trust and tackling polarisation in Europe”
On 12 December 2024, the Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA) organised the mid-term conference of the Horizon Europe project ActEU in Brussels. This academic conference, titled “Strengthening democracy: Building trust and tackling polarisation in Europe”, brought together researchers, policy-makers, and practitioners to assess the project’s key challenges and successes. During four panel sessions, ActEU […]
RECLAIM Skills Lab: “Media Literacy for Democracy”
How can we shape the future of democracy through media literacy? In today’s complex media landscape, critically understanding how information is produced, circulated, consumed and used by various audiences is crucial to upholding democratic values. In this context, TEPSA hosted the “Media Literacy for Democracy” Skills Lab, an empowering, hands-on training within the RECLAIM (Reclaiming […]
RECLAIM Breakfast Roundtable: Closed-door meeting with policy-makers
In the framework of the Horizon Europe project RECLAIM, on 18 October 2024 the Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA) organised the event “RECLAIM Breakfast Roundtable: Democracy through Policy Dialogue”. This closed-door event aimed to facilitate a constructive and interactive dialogue between policy makers and project researchers. Designed to connect RECLAIM’s academic findings with practical […]
Closed-door meeting: “Reform, Respond, Rebuild: A new momentum for EU enlargement”, 2 December 2024
As part of our activities in the framework of the InvigoratEU Expert Hub on EU Enlargement, on 2 December 2024 TEPSA organised the group’s first closed-door meeting in cooperation with Carnegie Europe. The meeting took place under the Chatham House Rule. About the Expert Hub on EU Enlargement The Expert Hub gathers an exclusive group […]
WATCH: “EU Democracy Renewal: Addressing the Pressures on Representative Democracy in Europe” | ActEU Panel at the Polish PPC
TEPSA’s biannual Pre-Presidency Conferences (PPC) have, since their inception, brought together academics and researchers from the broad TEPSA network, policy-makers, media and civil society in order to discuss the agenda and challenges of the upcoming Council Presidencies. To discuss the aims and priorities of the Polish Presidency, which holds the reins in the Council for the first […]
The future of EU enlargement: Views from Helsinki, Stockholm and Vienna
It has been 30 years since Austria, Finland and Sweden organised their respective European Union (EU) referenda that led to the accession of the three countries in 1995. Now enlargement is back as a major issue on the EU’s agenda. However, different Member States continue to have diverging preferences, priorities and concerns regarding the enlargement […]
“A Retreat on Europe’s Next Chapter: the European Democracy Shield” | Democracy Retreat #3
During Ursula von der Leyen’s first term as President of the European Commission, remarkable strides were made within the sphere of democratic innovation and citizen participation. A hallmark of this effort was the Conference on the Future of Europe, followed by the continuation of European Citizen Panels and the release of the Defence of Democracy […]
Elections in Georgia and Moldova: What Next for the Accession Path?
Enlargement policy is back at the top of the EU’s agenda after more than a decade. After the opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, the granting of candidate status to Georgia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the launch of the Western Balkans Growth Plan, enlargement policy is experiencing a window of opportunity to […]
Open class on EU enlargement policy, November 21 [Seminário em Português]
“Historically, Portugal has been a supporter of the successive enlargement rounds of the EU, as much as any other existing Member State at the time. […] This was perceived as a form of solidarity with those States that were facing a situation similar to Portugal’s in the late 1970s and early 1980s, during the country’s […]
Vacancy Notice: TEPSA Project Assistant [Deadline Passed]
About TEPSA The Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA) is an independent research network comprising 49 leading universities and research institutes in the field of European affairs throughout Europe, managed by the TEPSA Secretariat in Brussels. The TEPSA Secretariat manages and implements several EU-funded projects, within which it strives to maximise the policy and societal […]
“Charting New Paths: Democratic Innovations in the face of Populist Futures in Europe” | Democracy Retreat #2
In the past two decades, populism has surged worldwide, often challenging established democratic norms and structures while also increasing the risk of authoritarianism. Under the Chatham House Rule, this lunch dialogue explored the use and misuse of democratic innovations — such as referenda, participatory budgeting, and citizen assemblies— by populist agendas. It did so with […]
ActEU Doctoral School: “Democratic Frontiers – Charting Pathways for Trust and Participation in European Governance”
Political trust and legitimacy are foundational to the functioning of representative democracies, and especially during periods of significant change and turmoil. Since the founding of the European Union (EU), European democracies have undergone fundamental transformations, compounded by multiple crises. These coincide with societal polarisation, exemplified by political conflicts over migration, climate change, or gender, to […]
InvigoratEU Academy: “Making EU enlargement a success”
The European Union (EU) is currently amidst a rapidly changing geopolitical environment that has tested the resilience and adaptability of its enlargement and neighbourhood policies. The EU’s approach to enlargement has undergone significant transformation since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This includes opening accession talks with new candidate countries, granting candidate status to Georgia and […]
Vacancy Notice: TEPSA Financial Manager | Deadline September 22
About TEPSA The Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA) is an independent research network comprising 49 leading universities and research institutes in the field of European affairs throughout Europe, managed by the TEPSA Secretariat in Brussels. The TEPSA Secretariat manages and implements several EU-funded projects, within which it strives to maximise the policy and societal […]