From Vision to Impact: The Story of CERRE
- Since 2010: From vision to institution
- 2010 - 2018: Foundations for impact
We delivered our first major report in November 2011. It tackled one of Europe’s most critical challenges: cross-border energy infrastructure. By evaluating the cost-benefit dynamics of international natural gas and electricity interconnections, we helped lay the groundwork for better-targeted infrastructure that delivers long-term value for energy users across Europe. “It was huge, with some 10 researchers,” remembers Bruno, “It showed we could deliver at scale.”
In 2013, we expanded our scope in the telecoms and electricity sectors, examining generation capacity, wholesale market design, and the future of telecoms regulation. These early studies strengthened the EU’s policy frameworks and showed that market design, when done well, can promote competition and innovation while protecting consumers.
By 2014, we had grown to more than 40 members – proof that our model of cross-sector, multidisciplinary collaboration was making an impact. With a bigger community came more diverse perspectives and a stronger cross-sectoral voice in EU policy debates.
Over the next several years, we built on that momentum by publishing influential reports across diverse policy areas, including market consolidation in mobile communications, smart grids, electricity pricing, and urban mobility services.
- 2018 - 2020: Stepping into the digital arena
Our growing influence was recognised in 2018 when Bruno was appointed as the inaugural Chair of the EU Observatory on the Online Platform Economy. This gave us a front-row seat in the EU’s ongoing efforts to hold powerful digital platforms accountable, championing regulation that puts fairness and citizens first, while always keeping in mind the need to incentivise innovation and investment. Alexandre de Streel, our academic director for digital, was appointed Bruno’s successor when the latter’s mandate ended.
The COVID-19 pandemic could have slowed our momentum, but we adapted. We convened critical digital and energy policy conversations, hosting debates with many global leaders from industry and policy, such as Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Microsoft’s Brad Smith, or EU Commissioners Margrethe Vestager, Thierry Breton, Vĕra Jourová, and many others.
These events brought important dialogues between the public and private sectors about the roles and responsibilities of corporate players into the open. They demonstrated, in real-time, the importance of accessible, citizen-oriented regulatory dialogue – the cornerstone of our mission.
- 2021–2022: Amplifying our voice
- 2023 - 2025: Fully embracing the green and digital transitions
That same year, we unveiled our landmark ‘Ambitions for Europe 2024–2029’ White Paper at the European Parliament. In it, we proposed nine actionable steps for EU institutions to achieve in the forthcoming term. Putting them into action will help the bloc align digital and net-zero strategies in ways that benefit citizens and strengthen the Union.
By 2025, we had published over 150 reports and organised more than 500 events- milestones that reflect our sustained impact. Our latest research, presented at the Digital Platforms Summit 2025, puts two landmark pieces of EU legislation – the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act – under the microscope. As these laws near their first major evaluations, our academics have issued a range of recommendations to simplify and equip them for future challenges in a rapidly shifting digital landscape.
In 2023, CERRE partnered with the University of Cambridge and MIT to host its first European Energy Policy Conference. Together, we explored how to build a more sustainable, resilient energy system without sacrificing affordability or security. We built on that momentum in 2024 with two more important contributions to Europe’s net-zero strategy: our Path to Net Zero Summit and our report on Securing Europe’s Net Zero Path with Flexible LNG Contracts.
- Independence. Excellence. Relevance. Transparency.
What has made CERRE unique since the beginning is our ability to combine academic rigour with real-world expertise. By working across sectors, borders, and disciplines, we drive impactful solutions that matter. We bring regulators, companies, academics, and institutions to the same table, always focused on what works best for citizens, markets, and European democracy.
Our work is far from over. The generational challenges ahead – from the green transition and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and climate resilience – demand continued dedication and innovation.
Our mission continues – in Europe and beyond.
Guided by our core values of independence, excellence, relevance, and transparency, CERRE remains, more than ever, a public good committed to shaping a better future.
Shaping smart, citizen-focused regulation for Europe’s next decade – discover what’s next for CERRE.
