A strategy to strengthen and grow the IIEA

The Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) enters the next five years with a clear ambition: to strengthen its position as Ireland’s leading forum for informed debate, analysis, and engagement on international and European affairs.

Guided by our mission and values, this strategy provides the framework to ensure the IIEA remains relevant, resilient, and responsive in a rapidly changing global environment. It sets out how we will build on our strengths while adapting our programmes, capabilities, and operating model to meet the needs of our members and stakeholders in the years ahead.

Our objective is to consolidate and enhance the IIEA’s role as Ireland’s pre-eminent international affairs think tank, while expanding our capacity to deliver value for members and securing the long-term sustainability of the organisation.

To achieve this, we will focus on five strategic priorities:

• Strengthening and evolving the IIEA programme to ensure it remains innovative, relevant, and impactful.
• Expanding the Institute’s influence, visibility, and contribution to public discourse.
• Deepening engagement with members and enhancing the value they derive from their involvement with the IIEA.
• Modernising our operating model and investing in our people, knowledge, and technological capabilities.
• Delivering a sustainable financial framework to support the Institute’s long-term growth and resilience.

Together, these priorities will ensure the IIEA is equipped to continue informing policy, fostering dialogue, and connecting Ireland with the world.

Download the IIEA Statement of Strategy 2026-2030

Our mission

Our mission is to promote understanding of the European and geopolitical context for decision-making by policy-makers, organisations, and individuals, thereby helping to inform and shape Ireland’s strategic direction and future.

Our guiding principles and values

The IIEA is independent of all interests, whether public, private, or otherwise. It does not itself adopt or express any institutional position on the topics it covers.

The IIEA is committed to the fundamental principles of democracy, justice, human rights and the rule of law - principles which lie at the heart of the European Union.

The IIEA is committed to excellence in its own research, and in that which it commissions from external authors.

The IIEA strives at all times to maintain the high standards of professionalism and integrity which are central to our reputation.

The IIEA is committed to providing its members with a stimulating environment for engagement with speakers and contributors, and a space for the respectful exchange of diverse opinions and ideas, in the interest of the public good.

The IIEA is committed to a collaborative approach with funders, sponsors and stakeholders while always fully observing our independence of all interests.

The IIEA is committed to transparency in its funding and governance.

The IIEA is committed to diversity and equality, and to providing its staff with a welcoming and stimulating place to work.