Centrum für Europäische Politik

The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) is the European-policy think tank of the non-profit-making foundation Stiftung Ordnungspolitik.

At a time when Europe is facing historic challenges and fundamental decisions, cep provides analysis of European policy in an independent, academic and fact-based manner. With geopolitical rivalries fragmenting the global economy, technological developments disrupting markets, and societal changes challenging democracy, we assess EU legislation, develop strategies and provide new impetus.

► Strengthening and repositioning Europe

Europe is under geopolitical pressure. If it is to avoid becoming dependent on others, the old continent must strengthen its sovereignty and competitiveness. We want to show how Europe can reframe and reposition itself.

► Promoting innovation and safeguarding competition

Competition fosters diversity and innovation. It lays the foundation for a dynamic and proactive society. Europe must find effective solutions, especially for the digital and sustainable transformation. We want to show how fair and competitive rules can provide the key.

► Empowering people and shaping the future

A liberal democratic system is all about people and their future. Freedom, equality of opportunity and the power of self-determination must be safeguarded and nurtured time and again, and especially now. We want to show how the future can be shaped on our own terms. 

The Centrum für Europäische Politik operates as a non-profit organisation, free from vested interests and party-political influence. By focussing on a combination of academic analysis, business practice and institutional design we aim to gain a better understanding of the broader context and give policy more impact.

Our aim is to play a constructive role in European decision-making processes and stimulate public debate. The economic and legal assessment of EU legislation is at the heart of what we do, as is the institutional background to European policy. Our regulatory perspective provides an analytical framework which, for the avoidance of rigidity, is continuously evolving.

As part of the Centre for European Policy Network (cepNetwork), the Centrum für Europäische Politik operates not only in Freiburg but also in Berlin, Paris and Rome. This pan-European approach enables the systematic incorporation of different national perspectives and a nuanced analysis of political developments at EU level.