The European Resource Bank is one of the largest annual conferences of think tanks in Europe. Today it gathers representatives from dozens of European think tanks, scholars, policy experts, elected officials and other parties interested in the debate over strategies and problems posed to the European economies and the future of individual liberty in Europe. It was modelled after the Resource Bank meeting organized by the Heritage Foundation in the United States and the Liberty Forum organized by the Atlas Economic Research Foundation.
Mission
ERB meetings attempt to build a ‘bank’ of human capital – the ultimate resource in the enterprise of freedom – and to create and renew the ties between the participating organizations.
While topics of the meeting are wide-ranging, from issues of European economic integration to the financial and monetary questions, the primary mission of the European Resource Bank Meetings is to improve the organizational strategy for those promoting freedom throughout Europe, and to serve as a meeting forum for organisations, experts, partners and friends to develop new ideas and share experiences.
Thus, the European Resource Bank provides unparalleled networking opportunities for all groups and individuals in Europe.
History
The European Resource Bank project started fifteen years ago at the initiative of Pierre Garello, Barbara Kolm, Wolfgang Müller and Hardy Bouillon, when representatives from thirteen European classical liberal think tanks came together in November 2003 in Gummersbach, Germany. They met to reflect on ways to improve inter-organisational cooperation. During this meeting a consensus was reached that work was still required when it comes to improve two things. First, organizational strategies and second, continuous invitation to all those involved in the promotion of individual liberty throughout Europe to join the debate. This led Pierre Garello, Director of IES Europe, to establish the inaugural European Resource Bank meeting in Borovec, Bulgaria, spearheaded by Krassen Stanchev.
Since then, each European Resource Bank Meeting has been hosted by a different European institute. The program is designed by the organizer in close cooperation with historical members of the group.