Open Call: Transatlantic Policy Partnership and Think Tank Initiative (US)

Deadline: 03-Dec-2026

The European Commission is supporting US-based non-profit think tanks to strengthen EU-US partnerships, deepen mutual understanding, and promote European Union perspectives in policy debates across the United States. The call aims to establish stronger networks between European and US think tanks and encourage sustained engagement across a wide range of transatlantic and global policy issues. The total funding available under the call is €3 million, distributed through two funding lots. Lot 1 provides grants of €650,000 to €1 million, while Lot 2 offers grants ranging from €400,000 to €500,000.

About the EU-US Think Tank Partnership Initiative

The initiative seeks to reinforce the partnership between the European Union and the United States through collaboration with US-based think tanks.

It aims to:

- Deepen engagement between the EU and United States. - Promote mutual understanding. - Strengthen networks between think tanks. - Promote EU perspectives in US policy debates. - Encourage engagement at federal and sub-federal levels. - Build sustained relationships with current and future US decision-makers. - Identify opportunities for joint action on shared challenges. Priority Areas The programme encourages collaboration and research across a broad range of transatlantic and global policy issues.

Priority areas include:

- Transatlantic and global trade. - Economic and energy security. - Defense and military collaboration. - Hybrid warfare. - Space. - Cyber threats. - Innovation and disruptive technologies. - Artificial intelligence. - Digital governance. - Environment and climate disruptions. - Societal and democratic resilience. - Migration and security. - Shared values and fundamental freedoms. These areas reflect the broad range of issues relevant to EU-US cooperation and transatlantic leadership. Strengthening Bipartisan Networks One of the priorities of the initiative is to strengthen bipartisan networks in the United States. Think tank partnerships are expected to help facilitate dialogue and engagement across political and policy communities while supporting deeper understanding of European perspectives. Amplifying the EU’s Voice in the United States The programme aims to strengthen the EU’s presence in US policy discussions. Through collaboration with US think tanks, the initiative seeks to promote EU perspectives in policy debates at both the federal and sub-federal levels. Engagement With US Decision-Makers The programme encourages sustained engagement with current and future US decision-makers. Think tanks can contribute by building policy networks, facilitating dialogue, developing research, and identifying areas where EU and US stakeholders can work together. Two Funding Lots The call provides funding through two separate lots based on geographic and policy focus.

Lot 1: DMV and Federal-Level Think Tanks

Lot 1 targets think tanks located in the DMV area, covering D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, as well as work focused at the federal level.

Grants under Lot 1 range from:

- €650,000 minimum - €1,000,000 maximum

Lot 2: Sub-Federal Think Tanks Outside the DMV

Lot 2 focuses on think tanks operating at the sub-federal level outside the DMV area.

Grants under Lot 2 range from:

- €400,000 minimum - €500,000 maximum Total Funding Available The total funding available under the call is €3,000,000. The funding is intended to support activities that strengthen EU-US cooperation through partnerships between think tanks and encourage collaborative responses to shared global challenges. EU-US Think Tank Collaboration US and EU think tanks are expected to work together to identify areas for joint action.

The collaboration aims to support:

- Joint policy engagement. - Shared research and analysis. - Responses to global challenges. - Stronger transatlantic cooperation. - Greater EU-US policy coordination. - Continued transatlantic leadership. The initiative therefore places emphasis on partnership rather than isolated think tank activities. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants must be non-profit think tanks legally established in the United States. The lead applicant must be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the proposed action. Applicants should have the organisational capacity to manage the proposed activities and participate in the required EU-US cooperation. Co-Applicants and Affiliated Entities Co-applicants and affiliated entities may participate in the proposed action as specified in the call guidelines. Applicants should therefore follow the applicable requirements regarding the role and participation of partner organisations and affiliated entities. Policy Impact and Transatlantic Cooperation The initiative is intended to strengthen the role of think tanks in transatlantic policy discussions. By encouraging collaboration between US and EU think tanks, the programme supports the development of joint responses to global challenges and seeks to reinforce EU-US cooperation and leadership. Key Facts About the EU-US Think Tank Partnership Grants

- Funder: European Commission

- Target applicants: US-based non-profit think tanks

- Total funding: €3,000,000

- Lot 1 focus: DMV area and federal level

- Lot 1 location: D.C., Maryland, and Virginia

- Lot 1 grant size: €650,000–€1,000,000

- Lot 2 focus: Sub-federal level beyond the DMV area

- Lot 2 grant size: €400,000–€500,000

- Main purpose: Strengthen EU-US partnerships and mutual understanding

- Policy engagement: Federal and sub-federal levels

- Priority: Bipartisan networks and sustained engagement with US decision-makers

- Collaboration: US and EU think tanks

- Eligible lead applicants: Non-profit think tanks legally established in the United States

- Lead applicant requirement: Must be directly responsible for preparing and managing the proposed action

- Co-applicants: May participate as specified in the call guidelines

- Affiliated entities: May participate as specified in the call guidelines

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