IRRI-KIIB, working in close cooperation with the Belgian Foreign Service, has three fundamental missions. First, as a study center for the Belgian Foreign Service, IRRI-KIIB carries out research in a number of priority fields for Belgian diplomacy. The two main research themes cover European integration and security and global governance. These themes are developed by particular study departments in IRRI-KIIB. Other subjects, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, dialogue between civilizations, and the Forum on Economic Diplomacy, are undertaken by working groups separate from the study departments. Second, as a forum for lectures, debates, and seminars, IRRI-KIIB is a meeting place that encourages the sharing of ideas and opinions and acts an interface between diplomatic circles and civil society, thereby promoting a deeper understanding of foreign policy and international issues. Third, as a diplomatic academy, IRRI-KIIB offers a range of specific training courses to Belgian and foreign diplomats and other officials working in international affairs.

ETUI, which was established on the initiative of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), works to form a bridge between the trade union movement and the academic world, keeps trade union organizations informed about various European matters affecting trade union policy and its implementation, and conducts and promotes intellectually independent research on topics of strategic importance for trade unions.

The EPC is recognized as an influential and innovative think tank specializing in the analysis and monitoring of European integration policy. The center plays an active role by bringing together government, business, professional associations, regional authorities and civil society organizations to debate and influence the major policy challenges facing the European Union. In addition, the EPC works with a panel of experienced policy advisors and uses a range of instruments to promote dialogue, analysis and discussion of policy options. Its commentaries and briefings on meetings of the European Council and other key European events are appreciated throughout Europe. The center cooperates closely with other think tanks and policy centers working on policy themes of common interest and is developing a network of structured partner ships with other bodies to enhance the impact of its work.

Situated in the nexus between academia, business and the public sector, CEPS performs a distinctive role as an independent analyst and critic of European policy. The center is an independent membership-driven organization with more than 100 corporate members and a large number of central banks, diplomatic missions and international business organizations in its constituency. Its core business is the conduct of policy research on European affairs and the broad dissemination of its findings through a regular flow of publications, public events and electronic commentary. It strives to bring new knowledge to the attention of decision makers and to offer fresh insights into important public policy issues of the day. CEPS has consolidated its work into two broad policy areas: economic policy and politics, institutions and security. The center's resourceful research staff is keenly aware of the continuous need to engage the outside world in active debate as both a monitor of and a sounding board for their work; this constant interaction is an essential source of strength in CEPS' work and a validation of its relevance.