News

As COP30 in Brazil reaches its final phase, the EU’s newly-minted Global Climate and Energy Vision is enduring its first real-world diplomatic stress test. On 18 November, BIG took a step back to assess the bigger picture for the EU’s new approach, exploring the turbulent dynamics of global climate diplomacy as well as the risks and opportunities therein for Europe's climate and energy policies.

On 6 November BIG welcomed Sir Nick Clegg for a discussion on how Europe should balance regulation, innovation and competitiveness in the face of American and Chinese technological dominance – and the former Meta executive had stark words for the ‘Brussels Bubble.’

Between US Big Tech, Chinese mass surveillance and Russian psy-ops, Europe is 'being squeezed in a high-stakes digital triangle'. But how can the continent better defend a free and open internet? The European University Institute (EUI) and the Brussels Institute for Geopolitics (BIG) co-organized an Internet Accountability Multistakeholder Forum in Brussels to explore the challenge.

BIG continues to nurture academic partnerships with some of Europe's leading university institutions - and we're pleased to announce a new collaboration with Sciences Po.

The EU institutions were built at a time when trade and the economy could be dealt with separately from security considerations, but this neatly siloed world has vanished. The establishment of an EU Economic Security Council would bring a vital ‘strategic lens’ to EU policymaking and better equip it for economic statecraft. On 30 September, BIG hosted a breakfast roundtable which assembled high-level policymakers, political scientists and economic experts to discuss our bold proposal.

The Brussels Institute for Geopolitics (BIG) is proud to welcome Ireland as its tenth EU state member, further broadening the Institute’s European base and reinforcing its mission to advance strategic thinking in an era of geopolitical upheaval.

In just three years, the European Political Community has matured from a high-level gathering born of crisis to a living, breathing statement of geopolitical will. On 23 September, Her Excellency Daniela Morari, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the EU, was among the esteemed guests who joined BIG to evaluate the EPC’s potential place in Europe’s political and security architecture.

The Brussels Institute for Geopolitics (BIG) is proud to welcome Luxembourg as its ninth EU member state, further broadening the Institute’s European base and reinforcing its mission to advance strategic thinking in an era of geopolitical turmoil. 

Ahead of the Global Gateway Forum 2025 on 9-10 October, the Brussels Institute for Geopolitics, Clingendael Institute and the Egmont Institute co-organised a working lunch on 11 June in Brussels as part of an ongoing project to help shape Europe’s strategic partnerships at a time of mounting geopolitical tensions.

The Brussels Institute for Geopolitics hosted a closed-door roundtable on 6 June 2025 bringing together senior officials and experts from EU institutions, NATO, national governments, and industry to reflect on Europe’s evolving approach to defence financing and keeping Europeans safe in an increasingly hostile world.

The Brussels Institute for Geopolitics is delighted to announce Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl has been elected (5 June 2025) as the new Vice-Chair of the Board by its members.  

The Brussels Institute for Geopolitics (BIG) welcomed Clément Beaune, French High Commissioner for Strategy and Planning, for the Brussels leg of his presentation of the new policy note "How to Finance Rearmament and Our Other Priorities by 2030"

Join us on Europe Day (9 May) at the Brussels Institute for Geopolitics for a conversation with Herman Van Rompuy, together with BIG’s founding Director Luuk van Middelaar on the topic of ‘Who speaks for Europe.’

The Brussels Institute for Geopolitics (BIG) held a high-level ‘safe space’ strategy session on Wednesday 2 April, bringing together senior officials from across the European Commission for an in-depth exchange on the future of Europe’s energy and climate diplomacy. 

The Brussels Institute for Geopolitics (BIG) is delighted to welcome Herman Van Rompuy as a member of its Advisory Council, a distinguished group of leaders from the fields of politics, the arts, academia, and business.

The Brussels Institute for Geopolitics (BIG) is delighted to welcome Poland as its eighth EU state member, increasing the Institute’s geographic representation in central and eastern Europe, alongside current member, Czechia.

Tune in to Handing Over the Mic, a new podcast series where influential voices from the Global South share their perspectives on Europe—its past, present and future.

Spain joins the Brussels Institute for Geopolitics as a full member starting January 2025.

Josep Borrell joined Luuk van Middelaar for a conversation at the Brussels Institute for Geopolitics for his final political event as the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The Brussels Institute for Geopolitics (BIG) has hosted a ‘What Can Culture Do?’ roundtable, co-organized with the European Cultural Foundation (ECF). This joint session in Brussels forms part of a series of listening roundtables organized by ECF that are taking place across Europe.

The Brussels Institute for Geopolitics is pleased to announce that its Board held its first meeting today. The members of the Board have elected State Secretary Heiko Thoms as Chair and Ms Rita Faden as Vice-Chair. Composed of seven individuals who will serve a two-year term, the Board brings a wealth of experience and expertise to guide and oversee the institute's strategic development.