Why this project exists

The EU's next seven-year budget will shape the lives of 450 million Europeans. The Commission's proposal would increase spending by 32%. The European Parliament wants to go further. Yet the public debate around these trillions remains largely confined to institutional corridors.

EPICENTER's Alternative MFF project exists to change that. Our independent analysis by economists and policy experts across our member think tanks and partners applied a single test to every line of the budget: does this belong at EU level? The result is a credible alternative that stays within 1% of EU GNI.

The aim is to give policymakers, journalists, and citizens the tools to scrutinise Europe's largest spending decisions, and to show that a leaner, more focused budget is not only possible but preferable.

EPICENTER

EPICENTER is an independent network of leading think tanks from across Europe. It seeks to inform the European policy debate and promote the principles of a free society by bringing together the expertise of its members.

We believe the best days for Europe are ahead. Through economic liberalisation, respect for the rich diversity of the EU, and an unwavering commitment to individual freedom, we see a future filled with promise. By uniting the leading free-market think tanks of Europe, EPICENTER brings together the combined expertise of over 150 individuals across our member organisations. We contribute research, policy analysis, and practical recommendations that aim to make Europe more competitive, more open, and more free.

Contributing institutes

The Alternative MFF report draws on the expertise of the following EPICENTER member and partner organisations

Project partners

  • Bulgaria
  • Czech Republic
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Italy
  • Lithuania
  • Poland
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Spain

Project partners

Logo IME

Institute for Market Economics - Bulgaria

The Institute for Market Economics (IME) is the first and oldest independent economic policy think tank in Bulgaria. Its mission is to advocate free market solutions to challenges citizens of Bulgaria and the region face in reforms. IME methods are in-depth research, fact-based advocacy, targeted efforts towards decision-makers, active media presence, events and spreading the ideas of the free market among young people. IME is incremental in policy changes in tax policy, deregulation, rule of law and social policy. It also has expertise in labour market regulation, education and healthcare.

For more information about IME, visit ime.bg

Logo CETA

Center for Economic and Market Analysis - Czech Republic

The objective of the Center for Economic and Market Analysis is to analyse market, socio-economic, and political phenomena in the Czech Republic, emphasising the impact on the society. CETA focuses on research questions related to regulatory processes, economic growth barriers, well-being creation, and the development of economic freedom.

For more information about CETA, visit eceta.cz

Logo IEM

Institut Économique Molinari - France

The Institut Économique Molinari is a research and educational organisation aimed at undertaking and stimulating an economic approach to the analysis of public policy. It is named after Gustave de Molinari, a Franco-Belgian economist and journalist who devoted his life to fostering such an approach. The IEM’s mission is to propose alternative and innovative solutions that will promote the prosperity of all individuals in society.

For more information about the IEM, visit www.institutmolinari.org

Logo Prometheus

PROMETHEUS - Germany

Prometheus champions an open and liberal society. We believe that a vibrant civil society, decentralised solutions, and an entrepreneurial spirit are the foundation of a world in which all people are constantly improving. We inspire the do-it-yourself ethos by communicating ideas and by networking current and future decision makers. Prometheus offers a home to freedom-loving people. As the only classical-liberal think tank in Germany, Prometheus is funded exclusively by private donations.

For more information about Prometheus, visit www.prometheusinstitut.de

Logo Kefim

KEFIM - Greece

KEFiM is Greece’s premier free-market think tank that envisions Greece as a role model of economic and civil liberty where citizens are allowed to pursue their dreams and aspirations freely. Its mission is to increase individual and economic freedoms of Greeks through the promotion of liberal ideas and policy proposals. KEFiM focuses its work on four strategic pillars: the promotion of sound policy proposals that influence policy making, the protection of civil liberties through judicial activism, the promotion of economic literacy through educational campaigns, and the development of a bipartisan liberal movement. KEFiM is a member of the Atlas Network, EPICENTER, and the European Liberal Forum.

For more information about KEFiM, visit www.kefim.org

Logo IBL

Istituto Bruno Leoni - Italy

The Istituto Bruno Leoni (IBL) seeks to promote a more informed discussion of topics like the environment, competition, energy, liberalisation, tax policy, privatisation and welfare state reform. Established in 2003, IBL strives to act as a resource for politicians and policy makers by stimulating greater awareness among private citizens on all questions related to public policy and the role of the state.

For more information about the IBL, visit www.brunoleoni.it

LFMI logo

Lithuanian Free Market Institute - Lithuania

The Lithuanian Free Market Institute (LFMI) is a private non-profit non-party organisation established in 1990 to promote the ideas of individual freedom and responsibility, the free market, and limited government intervention. Our goal is to assist the accomplishment of the common interests of the people of Lithuania, which are best implemented in a free market where every individual pursues his or her objectives – without any privileges, protection or restrictions – by serving society and not relying on the government apparatus.

For more information about the LFMI, visit www.llri.lt

Logo FOR

FOR - Poland

Civil Development Forum (FOR Foundation) is a non-governmental think tank based in Poland promoting and defending economic freedom, the rule of law, individual liberties, private property, entrepreneurial activities, and ideas of limited government. Our activities are based on our vision of a society with favorable conditions for growth and productive activities, combining labour, entrepreneurship, innovation, saving, investment and obtaining knowledge. FOR aims to achieve its goals through fact-based reports and analysis, efficient communication and civil society mobilization.

For more information about FOR, visit www.for.org.pl

Logo IES Europe

Institute for Economic Studies Europe - Romania

The aim of The Institute for Economic Studies Europe is to stand at the centre of a worldwide network of students, scholars and other intellectuals. Since 1989, the Institute has aimed at discovering, developing and supporting among students, scholars and other intellectuals who share an interest in exploring and applying the principles of classical liberalism.

For more information about IES Europe, visit ies-europe.org

Logo INESS

INESS - Slovakia

The Institute of Economic and Social Studies (INESS) is an independent non-profit think tank founded in 2005. Its vision is for Slovakia to endorse free enterprise, prosperity, individual liberty, and peace and to create a country, where citizens are aware of the functions and benefits of market mechanisms and the impact of government interventions in the economy. INESS is based on three pillars for its activities: policy analysis, policy advocacy, and educational activities. Its areas of expertise are public finance, taxation, healthcare, education, social system, monetary policy, regulation, labour market, energy policy, agriculture, green deal, economic policy, intellectual property rights, and competition. INESS is financed by voluntary individual or corporate donations and revenues from its own activities.

For more information about INESS, visit www.iness.sk

Logo Libertad

Foundation for Advancement of Freedom - Spain

Spain’s Fundación para el Avance de la Libertad (Fundalib) is a private and non-partisan think tank working to foster the cause of liberty since 2015. Its mission is to promote the advancement of individual human freedom in all of its aspects and the success of the organisations and entities that promote and defend it. Fundalib’s vision is that of prosperous human societies, organised through the spontaneous order of culture and markets, and respectful of the individual freedom of their members.

For more information about Foundation for Advancement of Freedom, visit fundalib.org