Friends of Europe is an unusual think-tank in that we don't fit the mould of the group of researchers in a closed environment. We open our activities to all who are interested in Europe's future. Our readers and debating partners are from the EU, its institutions and member governments, companies great and small, NGOs, civil society groups, industry associations, the press and academia. Friends of Europe does not have an agenda other than making a contribution towards a better understanding of the challenges facing Europe and the world. The distinguished members of our Praesidium and Board of Trustees share this aspiration, and help to make Friends of Europe what it is - a think-tank for EU debate that spans the spectrum of European political opinion. The running of Friends of Europe's expanding work programme is handled day-to-day by the team, headed by our Secretary General, Giles Merritt, his Deputy, Geert Cami, and our Director, Nathalie Furrer. The direction and focus of our activities, however, is decided in conjunction with our President, Viscount Etienne Davignon, the Praesidium and the Board of Trustees and, of course, our partners, who through their influence and expertise, can help us to impact on Europe's policy agenda.