Egmont - The Royal Institute for International Relations

Director General: Claude Misson
Director of the European Affairs Program: Philippe de Schoutheete

EPIN Liaison officer:
Stijn Verhelst
Senior Research Fellow
Tel: +32 (0)2 233 89 28
E-mail: s.verhelst (at) egmontinstitute.be

The Royal Institute for International Relations, EGMONT (in former days IRRI-KIIB), founded in 1947 by eminent Belgian political leaders, is an independent think-tank based in Brussels. Its interdisciplinary research is conducted in a spirit of total academic freedom. A platform of quality information, a forum for debate and analysis, a melting pot of ideas in the field of international politics, the Institute's ambition - through its publications, colloquia, seminars and recommendations - is to make a useful contribution to the decision-making process.
Drawing on the expertise of its own research fellows, as well as that of external specialists, both Belgian and foreign, it provides analysis and suggests international policy options that are meant to be as operational as possible:

• through our "Central Africa" Programme : Central Africa issues
• through our "European Affairs" Programme : EU integration
• through our "Security & Global Governance" Programme : global governance, security and defence.

Benefiting from the role acquired by Brussels in the global arena and from the prestigious setting of the Egmont Palace, the Institute offers an ideal forum to visiting Heads of State, Heads of government, representatives of international organisations, foreign ministers and other distinguished political figures.

Conferences, colloquia and seminars nurture the work of the research fellows. They also give participants the opportunity to exchange views with other specialists and with a well-informed public made up of representatives of the political, economic and academic spheres, the media and civil society.

Along with research and meetings, the Institute has also developed specialised training activities, both in Brussels and abroad. It can, on request, offer specific programmes for visiting and resident diplomats and foreign professionals.

Closer collaboration with other research centres, both in Belgium and in the rest of Europe and beyond, has resulted in a growing number of joint conferences and in more structured cooperation on research and publications. It has proved to be mutually beneficial and enriching.
Looking towards the future, the Institute continues to reinforce its team of specialists, review new subjects of research and explore closer working relations with foreign partners.