EPIS Thinktank
| [[File:[enter here].png|frameless|upright=1]] | |
| Parent institution | European Commission |
|---|---|
| Established | 2018 |
| Focus | Foreign and economic affairs |
| Chairman | Theodor Himmel |
| Members | 330+ |
| Location | Berlin, Germany |
| Website | epis-thinktank |
EPIS (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) is a European interdisciplinary student organisation focused on foreign and economic affairs.[1][2] It is situated in Berlin but operates mostly online. Since 2022, Theodor Himmel leads the think tank as chairman. EPIS functions as a platform connecting students and experts in the field through research activities, events, and international conferences. EPIS is structured into four branches: Network and Thinktank for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy (FASP).
History and Milestones
In 2018, EPIS was founded in Munich. After its restructuring in 2022, the organisation grew from its original size to up to 330+ EPIS Fellows. Especially after Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine and Hamas’s terror attack of 7th October 2023, the think tank noticed a raising awareness on security policies. Consequently, EPIS signed a cooperation agreement with Eurodefense in order to facilitate joint publications and event participation.[3] Additionally, EPIS cooperates with other student think tanks such as European Horizons.[4] Key milestones of the organisation include the launch of the EPIS Thinktank for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy in 2023 with the development of its different formats including the EPIS Magazine and EPIS Blog. Establishing the platform for student publications to exchange in the field of foreign affairs and security policy, EPIS was awarded a special commendation of the European Security Award issued by Civisme Défense Armées Nation in 2024.[5]
Mission and Values
EPIS’s mission focuses on providing opportunities for students and young professionals to engage with policy issues through research, debate and other forms of mutual interaction, on international foreign and economic policy. While being politically unaffiliated, its fellows often argue different political opinions in its publications. In an interview External Affairs Manager Julia Gruber advocated for women’s roles in the defense industry, while EPIS remained neutral.[6] This follows EPIS’ code of conduct based on 3 core principles:
- Integrity: EPIS operates independently of political, economic, or ideological influence. It guarantees freedom of expression for all its fellows, ensuring respect for the principles of human rights.
- Reliability: EPIS values goal-oriented and reliable collaboration, as fellows carry out their tasks with a sense of responsibility towards others and clear communication along the way.
- Collegiality: EPIS promotes a culture of respect and support among its fellows. Exchanges are based on mutual understanding, especially across cultural, academic, political, and geographical differences.
EPIS’ mission is supported by its Advisory Board currently consisting of former Dutch ambassador Ron Keller and former Member of Parliament Robert Walter.
Activities and Publications
The network features EPIS Delegations as a programme in collaboration with major European policy conferences. Students participate in conferences. As such EPIS attended the Warsaw Security Forum, Berlin Security Conference or the OTT Conference 2025.[7] Occasionally, EPIS hosts events at universities.[8][9] The think tank publishes around 300 publications annually. They range from small blog entries to larger peer-reviewed articles[10] like the EPIS Magazine.[11] where research fellows from other institutes also contribute.[12]
Leadership
Chairmen
| Term | Name |
|---|---|
| 2018-2019 | N.N. |
| 2019-2022 | Daniel Gruber |
| 2022- | Theodor Himmel |
References
- ↑ "EPIS Think Tank e.V." onthinktanks.org.
- ↑ "Profile of registrant×". transparency-register.europa.eu.
- ↑ EURODEFENSE, This cooperation agreement expresses intentions of; Thank, the Epis Think; Cooperation, Through Concrete Ways of; Objectives, In Order to Support the Achievement of Their Respective (July 1, 2024). "Cooperation Agreement Between EURODEFENSE & EPIS Think Thank". Eurodefense Network.
- ↑ "Partners". European Horizons.
- ↑ "Winners – Cidan".
- ↑ Londene, Madeleine (June 17, 2025). "Frauen in der Verteidigungsbranche: Frauen können Frieden besser". Die Zeit.
- ↑ "OTT Conference 2025 – Think tanks and impact | Participating Organisations". onthinktanks.org. 11 March 2025. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
- ↑ "Policy & Pizza: The Question of Syria". hertie-school.org.
- ↑ "Policy & Pizza: The Question of Syria". dafg.eu. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
- ↑ Feldkamp, Michael F. (January 1, 2025). "EPIS Magazine Issue VII Papal Diplomacy". "EPIS Thinktank" - the Think Tank for Foreign- and Security Policy – via www.academia.edu.
- ↑ "ISSN 2942-6030 (Online) | Epis | The ISSN Portal". portal.issn.org.
- ↑ "Team". Young Journal of European Affairs.
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