Friends of Europe

Friends of Europe focusses its work in the following areas: 

Climate Energy & Natural Resources Global Europe Peace, Security & Defence

Democracy Sustainable Livelihoods Digital & Data Governance

Initiatives 

• Africa-Europe FoundationLink opens in a new window: The purpose of the Africa-Europe Foundation is to facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogue, catalyse partnerships and unlock new opportunities that can transform Africa-Europe relations into action. 
• UkraineLink opens in a new window: To retain the initiative in our shared struggle and to educate both policymakers and our populations on what is at stake, Ukraine’s independent future requires more than debates over military supplies

• Making Space MatterLink opens in a new window: Providing opportunities for policymakers, the private sector, civil society representatives and citizens to engage in critical enquiry and thought-provoking debate on how to best respond to the opportunity space represents.  
• State of EuropeLink opens in a new window: an annual high level summit of top leaders from the worlds of politics, business and civil society. The 200+ attendees are able to connect and offer thought leadership to influence change and direction of Europe. 
• European Young LeadersLink opens in a new window: A programme that connects established young leaders, under the age of 40, with the aim of building bonds across nationalities, areas of work and political outlooks, and inspire them to become active and influential citizens. 

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Activities 

Friends of Europe runs a range of activities, including: 

• Debating EuropeLink opens in a new window: Discussion on a topical issue hosted on an online citizens’ platform which has 5.5 million users. The platform members have contributed over 180,000 comments and questions contributing to Friends of Europe’s debates, and received over 2,500 responses directly from key policy makers and experts. 
• Publications: Insight papers, factsheets, policy briefings and op-eds bringing together insights from a series of authors on specific topics, themes or policy issues. Friends of Europe produced over 250 publications in 2020. 
• Events: Including policy debates, Q&A sessions with top leaders from a range of sectors, and meetings of small groups of members with decision-makers from parliaments, governments, business, NGOs and the media. 

• Working Groups: Informal roundtable discussions between 30 senior stakeholders, MEPs and VIP members. 
• Policy Summits: High-level conferences on topical issues attended by a few hundred participants, including from outside Brussels.
• Group Discussions: Engage citizens and civil society organisations across Europe through multilingual online group discussions (focus groups) and surveys on key issues such as climate, democracy, and inclusion. FoE analyse the insights gathered to produce citizen-driven reports that highlight public opinion and offer policy recommendations for a more inclusive Europe.
• Podcasts: Debating Europe podcasts series features experts and EU policymakers discussing how to regenerate democracy, promote inclusive leadership, and tackle current European challenges. FoE integrate insights from their citizen group discussions and surveys, ensuring that citizen voices shape the narrative
• Data and Reports: After each focus group and survey, FoE compile and analyse the data to produce evidence-based reports that reflect the lived experiences and views of European citizens. These insights inform campaigns, policymaking, and democratic innovation, offering a unique citizen perspective.