Our mission
European in ambition.
Brussels in presence.
Central and Eastern European in perspective.
Our mission
Building CEE influence in the heart of Europe.
Positioned at the centre of EU decision-making, the Institute serves as a platform where policymakers, business leaders and experts come together to shape ideas that matter for the region's competitiveness, security and long-term prosperity
Our ambition is not only to discuss policy, but to ensure that European policy responds to real economic needs - including thosecompanies, sectors and regions that currently have none or very limited access to institutional support and decision-making processes
To strengthen the quality of European decision-making by connecting expertise, business and public institutions, while ensuring that the experience and perspective of Central and Eastern Europe contribute meaningfully to Europe's future
Our vision
We need a stronger, more competitive and resilient Europe where every region contributes to shaping the continent's future, and where CEE is recognised as a driver of innovation, economic growth and strategic leadership.
We believe that:
Better policy begins with informed dialogue
Economic competitiveness and security are inseparable
European growth requires strong industrial foundations
Strategic resilience depends on cooperation between institutions, business and society
Central and Eastern Europe brings valuable experience, expertise and perspectives that enrich European decision-making
Effective policy is built through collaboration, trust and evidence-based analysis
Strategic objectives
The priorities that guide our mission
Giving Central & Eastern Europe's business community a permanent and professional voice in Brussels
Transforming CEE companies from regulation-takers into regulation co-authors
Providing a trusted platform through which businesses from CEE can contribute to European policy discussions and the shaping of EU regulations in strategic sectors
01The challenge
CEE region helps drive Europe's growth. Its voice in Brussels remains limited.
Central and Eastern Europe represents more than 100 million consumers and is deeply integrated into European supply chains and the single market. Yet the region's business perspective is still underrepresented where European regulation takes shape.
We work with local businesses, entrepreneurs, industry organisations and other stakeholders from CEE to better understand challenges they face and to bring their experience into national and European policy debates.
By identifying areas where institutional support is insufficient, ESI seeks to provide businesses and communities with a stronger voice and greater access to expertise, partnerships and European-level debate
Brussels representation
Organisations reported as maintaining a Brussels presence in the working research supplied to ESI.
A visible imbalance.
If Central and Eastern Europe is to play a greater role in shaping Europe's future, stronger and more sustained investment is needed in organisations that build visibility, influence and strategic engagement in Brussels, such as The European Strategy Institute.
LobbyFacts, Dec 2025.
Take part
A balanced European dialogue needs a credible CEE voice.
Become a member
