About the CER
The Centre for European Reform is a think-tank devoted to making the European Union work better and strengthening its role in the world. The CER is pro-European but not uncritical. We regard European integration as largely beneficial but recognise that in many respects the Union does not work well. We also think that the EU should take on more responsibilities globally, on issues ranging from climate change to security. The CER aims to promote an open, outward-looking and effective European Union.
Through our meetings, seminars and conferences, we bring together people from the worlds of politics and business, as well as other opinion-formers. Most of our events are by invitation only and off the record, to ensure a high level of debate.
The conclusions of our research and seminars are reflected in our publications, as well as in the private papers and briefings that senior officials, ministers and commissioners ask us to provide.
The CER is an independent, private not-for-profit organisation with offices in London, Brussels and Berlin. We are not affiliated with any government, political party or European institution. Our work is funded by donations from the private sector. Our annual reports give a good idea of what we do.
The CER won the best foreign affairs think-tank at the Prospect Think Tank Awards 2020.
The CER won the think-tank of the year award at the Prospect Think Tank Awards 2018.
The CER won best UK international affairs think-tank at the Prospect Think Tank Awards 2017.
The CER won best UK international affairs think-tank at the Prospect Think Tank Awards 2015.
In 2014, CER director Charles Grant was one of Bloomberg News’s 50 Most Influential list.
The CER won best UK international affairs think-tank at the Prospect Think Tank Awards 2013.
The CER is a member of the Trans European Policy Studies Association.
"The Centre for European Reform, by far the best of all EU think-tanks in London"
The Guardian"A think-tank that manages to be both Atlanticist and Europhile"
The Economist"A think-tank with an increasingly influential role in the shaping of official policy"
Financial Times
"Like many people I am bombarded with information on a daily, basis about Europe. I always make time to read CER analysis as I know it will be thoughtful, illuminating and accurate. I regularly draw on CER notes and papers for my own work. I find that the CER has the sources and sense of perspective that few others have. I am truly astonished at the quality and quantity of its output in light of its relatively modest budget."
Anthony Gardner, Senior counsel, Sidley Austin LLP & senior adviser, Brunswick Global
“Now in its third decade the Centre for European Reform has played an unparalled role in informing the debate on the European Union and its direction of travel. It effortless combines the authority it has earned since its creation with a dynamism and freshness exemplified by its young, talented and multinational team of firstrate analysts.”
Paul Adamson, Chairman, Forum Europe
“The thoroughness and fairness of the CER’s analysis marks it out from so many other contemporary commentaries. In our complex, fast moving Europe you can rely on the CER to be on-the-ball and genuinely informative.”
Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, Former NATO Secretary General and UK Defence Secretary
“As a member of the CER’s advisory board since it was established, I have greatly benefited from and admired the way in which it has reached out, not only right across the EU itself but beyond – to Ankara, Kiev, Moscow and Washington. In Britain its probing analysis and in depth, research-based enquiries into every corner of EU policy haveprovided a much needed antidote to the often raucous and ill-informed national debate over European issues. And in Brussels it has avoided the trap of simply embracing institutional orthodoxy and has led the way towards that continuous adaptation and reform which is essential to the EU if it is to prosper and to be effective. Its work is an indispensable part of the EU’s future development, with or without the UK as a member.”
Lord Hannay of Chiswick, Member International Relations Committee, House of Lords
“I hugely value the rigour and integrity of the CER’s political and economic analysis. Charles Grant and his team cut through the hyperboleand political bias that surround their subject, and help me to understand the issues. In addition, their high level access to ministers and officials across the European capitals allows them to provide real insights in their confidential briefings.”
Richard Lambert, Chairman, British Museum
“Brexit – and the UK’s changing relationship with the EU – will be questions of interest and concern for years to come. The CER has the breadth of expertise to shine impartial, but searching, light on a range of topics including trade, migration, the institutions and diplomatic relations.”
Catherine Barnard, Professor of EU Law & Employment Law, University of Cambridge
“The CER’s work has more depth and more detail than even the best journalism; it is more current and more accessible than the best academic writing; it covers all the political angles, and has great expertise in economics and markets. It is trusted and respected throughout the EU as serious and sensible.”
Sir Robert Cooper, Former adviser to EU High Representative
“Whether you’re a government official, involved in international business, or a journalist or researcher, the CER is your indispensable guide to the European Union today. It has a unique vantage point on Brexit, but offers authoritative, balanced and exceptionally well informed commentary on all the most salient EU issues. Its publications, podcasts and meetings in Brussels, London and other capitals provide essential food for thought for all serious observers of the European scene.”
Sir Nigel Sheinwald Former British Ambassador to The United States and European Union
“Over the years the CER has done a superb job in putting forward the best analysis not only on the continuing drama of the United Kingdom’s place in Europe, but also on where the policies of the EU are heading. Simply indispensable.”
Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister, Sweden
“I have been reading the CER’s papers regularly for many years. They have always been clear, precise, technically sound and well informed. I both appreciate and respect the efforts made by Charles Grant and his team to explain the complexity of European matters to the British and English speaking public, including interpreting the actions of those closest of neighbours, the French... This work is more valuable than ever in a time of fake news and increasing superficiality.”
Sylvie Goulard, Deputy Governor, Banque de France
“The high quality of the analysis provided by CER papers, and its objectivity, provides a unique opportunity for all those who need to understand what is going on in Europe, and to anticipate what can happen.”
Joaquín Almunia, former Vice-president, EU Commission
“The quality of insight that the Centre for European Reform offers is of huge value. Its expertise is first class on both Brexit issues and beyond. In these rapidly changing political times, the experts at the CER provide the high quality analysis and intelligence on some of the most topical issues of interest today. The CER plays a unique role, undertaking thinking on areas covered by no one else; this knowledge helps support the CBI’s work representing UK businesses on national and international issues.”
Carolyn Fairbairn, former CBI director-general
“At a moment when tempers are rising dangerously and the European Union finds itself at the heart of the national slanging match, the CER is one think-tank that is providing cogency and clarity amid all the shouting – it will be needed more than ever in the coming years, whatever the outcome of Brexit.”
Peter Foster, Europe Editor, The Telegraph