The Europe’s Futures Initiative (EFI) is a membership-based organisation which will be headquartered in Vienna. Designed to be a pan-European accelerator for innovation in policy, governance, and civic engagement, EFI is a policy powerhouse, deeply embedded in the European policymaking ecosystem.

EFI ist set up to deliver timely, relevant, and actionable policy advice and action. It addresses the complex challenges facing Europe today, from geopolitical instability to democratic backsliding, by connecting intellectual rigor with practical solutions.

EFI’s focus is to generate impact through inclusive, scalable, democratic strategies, in the pursuit of a more confident, resilient, and united Europe. What sets EFI apart is its commitment to inclusivity and action. It brings together changemakers from across Europe—north, south, east, and west—to co-create solutions rooted in shared values. Whether rethinking migration policy for social cohesion, designing education systems that foster collaboration, or restoring trust in democratic institutions, EFI transforms bold ideas into actionable strategies.

EFI is committed to inclusive, bottom-up governance. Governed democratically by its members—Europe’s Futures Fellows—who actively contribute to its strategic direction. Its Vienna headquarters is as a central hub for research, dialogue, and collaboration.

Alexander Schallenberg, former Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister, serves as President of EFI. He and the board are responsible for overseeing finances, governance and strategic direction.

EFI builds on the Europe’s Futures Fellowship, a successful initiative launched in 2018 by ERSTE Foundation and the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM), which has brought together a vibrant network of handpicked policy experts, academics and practitioners from across the globe, committed to democratic values and European cooperation. Former Europe’s Futures Fellows are invited to join as members of EFI.

Europe’s Futures Initiative will officially open on 1 January 2026. To be kept up-to-date with information regarding the launch, please subscribe to our newsletter: Newsletter Registration

Header image: Past, Present, Future – Aldo Giannotti