Think2030

Think2030
Name	Think2030
Founded	2018
Type	Policy platform
Focus	Sustainable development, European Green Deal, Circular economy, Biodiversity
Headquarters	Brussels
Region served	European Union
Website	https://think2030.eu/

Think2030. Think2030 is a high-level, evidence-based policy platform dedicated to advancing sustainability within the European Union and globally. Launched in 2018, it convenes leading experts from academia, think tanks, industry, and civil society to develop actionable policy recommendations aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. The platform is renowned for its flagship biennial conferences and authoritative reports that aim to bridge the gap between scientific research and political decision-making, particularly in support of the European Green Deal.

Overview

Think2030 operates as a non-partisan consortium designed to foster dialogue and generate consensus on critical environmental and sustainability challenges. Its core mission is to translate complex scientific findings into clear, implementable policy options for European Commission officials, European Parliament members, and national governments. The platform strategically focuses on the intersection of environmental integrity, economic prosperity, and social equity, positioning itself as a key intellectual partner in shaping the European Union's ambitious climate and sustainability agenda. It maintains a strong operational presence in Brussels to effectively engage with EU institutions.

History and establishment

The initiative was conceived and launched in 2018 by the Institute for European Environmental Policy, a prominent sustainability think tank, in partnership with other founding organizations including the Ecologic Institute and the Stockholm Environment Institute. Its creation was timed to provide substantive input ahead of the 2019 European Parliament election and the subsequent mandate of the European Commission under Ursula von der Leyen, which prioritized the European Green Deal. The inaugural Think2030 conference was held in Paris, setting the stage for its role as a major convening power. Subsequent milestones have included significant policy dialogues during the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow and contributions to the development of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.

Key focus areas and initiatives

The platform's work is organized around several interconnected thematic pillars central to the European Union's sustainability transition. A primary focus is the transformation towards a fully circular and climate-neutral economy, with deep dives into industrial policy, green finance, and sustainable resource management. A second major pillar is the restoration and protection of biodiversity, encompassing policies on agriculture, forestry, and marine ecosystems. Think2030 also dedicates significant analysis to the geopolitical and social dimensions of the green transition, including just transition strategies, global competitiveness, and international partnerships with regions like the Western Balkans and Africa. Its initiatives often feed directly into legislative processes for key files like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

Publications and research output

Think2030 is distinguished by its high-quality, peer-reviewed publications that serve as key reference points for policymakers. Its most prominent output is the biennial "Think2030" flagship report, a comprehensive collection of policy briefs authored by experts from institutions like the German Institute for International and Security Affairs and the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations. These briefs provide specific recommendations on topics ranging from clean energy deployment and hydrogen economy to sustainable food systems and chemical pollution. The platform also produces synthesis papers, conference proceedings, and interactive online databases that track policy progress across EU member states.

Governance and organizational structure

The platform is steered by a secretariat hosted by the Institute for European Environmental Policy, which coordinates the overall network and activities. Strategic direction is provided by a high-level advisory board comprising senior figures from academia, former policymakers from bodies like the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, and industry leaders. The core of Think2030's work is executed through its extensive community of fellows and partner organizations, which include renowned think tanks such as the Finnish Environment Institute and the Centre for European Policy Studies. This decentralized, network-based model allows for the integration of diverse expertise from across the European Union and neighboring countries.

Impact and recognition

Think2030 has established itself as an influential voice in European Union sustainability policy circles, with its research frequently cited in parliamentary debates and European Commission communications. Its policy recommendations have demonstrably informed the development and refinement of major legislative packages, including the Fit for 55 package and the EU Nature Restoration Law. The platform's biennial conferences, often held in cities like Berlin and Brussels, attract high-level participation from commissioners, such as Frans Timmermans, and directors-general of key Directorate-General for Climate Action. This access and its reputation for rigorous, evidence-based analysis have made Think2030 a trusted partner for institutions like the European Environment Agency in navigating the complex political economy of the green transition.

Category:Organizations based in Brussels Category:Climate change organizations Category:Think tanks in Europe