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Connecting Europe

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Connecting Europe is a project of the European Policy Centre (EPC) funded by Stiftung Mercator. The project connects civil society organisations with EU decision-makers and strengthens transnational EU policy debates by fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange and policy dialogue across Europe.

Established in 2017, Connecting Europe has developed a network of more than 65 organisations, bringing together research institutes, NGOs, think tanks, fellowship programmes and collaborative initiatives from across Europe. The project creates opportunities for civil society organisations to engage with EU institutions, policymakers and experts on the most pressing European policy challenges.

Connecting Europe focuses on a wide range of issues shaping Europe's future, including the rule of law and democracy, EU enlargement, climate policy, digital transformation, and the future of EU foreign and security policy. By encouraging diverse perspectives and cross-border cooperation, the project contributes to more informed, inclusive and effective European policymaking.

Guided by the motto "Thinking Enlarged", Connecting Europe places particular emphasis on involving civil society organisations from EU candidate countries in policy debates in Brussels. By strengthening links between organisations across Europe, the project helps ensure that perspectives from candidate countries contribute to discussions shaping the future of the European Union.

The Connecting Europe team organises and coordinates a wide range of activities with its partners, the European Policy Centre, Stiftung Mercator and the wider Brussels policy community. These include expert workshops, roundtables, policy dialogues, joint publications and podcasts that promote knowledge sharing and strengthen cooperation between civil society and EU institutions.

Through these activities, Connecting Europe encourages open and constructive dialogue between civil society organisations and EU decision-makers, helping to strengthen mutual understanding, increase the visibility and impact of civil society in Brussels, and contribute to more connected and inclusive European policymaking.