Contribute to Blue Europe

Accepted Topics

We accept contributions that align with the themes and objectives of Blue Europe. We welcome original articles on a wide range of topics, including Economy and Trade, Industry and Business, Political Science and Governance, International Relations, Sociology, Law, Environmental Studies and Climate Policy, Innovation and Technology, Energy and Sustainability, Education and Research Collaboration, Migration and Demographic Studies, Public Policy and Administration, Regional Development and Urban Planning, Security Studies and Geopolitics. Each submission should have a focus – at least partially – on Central and Eastern Europe or the European Union as a whole, in alignment with Blue Europe’s mission and vision.

Given that the definition of Central and Eastern Europe is under debate, we have highlighted in the following map the key countries which we cover. The countries on which our think tank focuses include: Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia.

Agenda 2025-2026

For the 2025–2026 publication cycle, Blue Europe will concentrate on three interrelated strategic priorities that reflect Europe’s evolving economic, technological, and geopolitical environment:

A) Economic transition, industry 4.0, and digitalisation. A core focus will be the structural transformation of European economies as they adapt to Industry 4.0 and advanced digital technologies. Research will examine the adoption of technology with particular attention to their impact on productivity. The agenda will explore how digitalisation reshapes industrial policy, supply chains and regional development in Central and Eastern Europe.

B) Energy, climate, and strategic autonomy. Energy and climate policy will remain a central pillar of the research agenda, with an expanded focus on strategic autonomy. Publications will analyse the transformation of energy systems in Europe, including renewable energy deployment, storage capacity, grid modernisation and the integration of digital technologies into energy infrastructure. Particular emphasis will be placed on how energy transitions intersect with economic competitiveness, national security, as well as on the specific challenges and pathways facing Central and Eastern European markets.

C) Cooperation beyond the European Union. The 2025-2026 agenda will place greater emphasis on Europe’s both internal and external economic and strategic relationships beyond the EU. Research will assess cooperation with neighbouring regions and global partners across trade, investment, energy and technology. Key areas of interest include country-level engagement with CEE, Asia, and other emerging markets; multilateral initiatives like the Three Seas Initiative (TSI), the Viségrad 4 (V4), the Bucharest 9 (B9), the Weimar Triangle and other transnational initiatives; as well as the implications of global order shifts for Central Eastern Europe’s economic and technological positioning. This strand will explore how cooperation beyond the EU can support resilience and long-term growth in an increasingly fragmented international system.

Excluded Topics

While we encourage a broad range of topics, there are certain subjects that fall outside the scope of Blue Europe’s editorial mission. These include:

• Partisan Political Propaganda: We do not publish content that overtly promotes political parties or serves as political propaganda. All contributions must be based on objective analysis and must refrain from undue bias or partisan promotion.
• Non-European Focus: Articles that are not primarily focused on European issues, or those that do not relate back to the European context, are outside of our scope. While we understand that Europe operates within a global context, all submissions must maintain a European lens.
• Opinion Pieces without Substantive Argumentation: While we welcome opinion articles, submissions must be supported by substantial research, evidence, or well-reasoned argumentation. We do not accept opinion pieces that lack depth or are based purely on personal views without analytical foundation.

Submission Guidelines

All submissions should be original, unpublished work, and they should adhere to our word count requirements, typically starting at 1200 words depending on the complexity of the topic. Please ensure all references are appropriately cited at the end.

At Blue Europe, we believe in fostering an open dialogue grounded in respect and intellectual rigor. We encourage diverse perspectives but expect all contributions to uphold a standard of professionalism and integrity. Blue Europe maintains a commitment to factual accuracy. We do not publish content that perpetuates false information, unverified claims, or conspiracy theories. The authors are however encouraged to share their own opinion – which should, however, be labelled as such.

We encourage authors, researchers, and practitioners to choose the format that best suits their message and intended audience.

A) Briefs & Commentary

Timely insights, policy reactions, short analyses (typically 1,000–2,500 words).

These are short-form pieces offering immediate reactions to policy developments, political shifts, or emerging socio-economic trends. Authors use this format to highlight key issues, raise awareness, and contribute to ongoing debates in an accessible and digestible way.

Examples:

• A brief analysis of a specific issue that experienced recent developments

• Commentary on election outcomes in a specific country

• Quick assessments of new legislation or policy proposals

B) Policy Papers & Analyses

In-depth research, strategic insights, policy recommendations (typically 2,500–10,000 words).

This format is the backbone of our research work. Policy papers provide deep analysis of specific issues, combining data, theory, and real-world examples to offer practical solutions. We particularly encourage evidence-based recommendations and comparative studies.

Examples:

• Evaluating the impact of EU funding on digital infrastructure in the Balkans

• A policy roadmap for green energy transition in a specific country

• Regulatory analysis of foreign investment in Eastern European markets

C) Interviews & Discussions

Expert insights, moderated dialogues, Q&As (varied length).

Through interviews and structured conversations, we amplify voices that are shaping the debate, from policymakers and academics to civil society leaders and entrepreneurs. This format encourages reflective, personal, and strategic perspectives.

Examples:

• A Q&A with a former minister of finance on post-crisis recovery

• A roundtable discussion on EU enlargement with regional experts

• Conversations on youth engagement in policy development

D) Books & Reports

Long-form research outputs in a report format, fellowship projects, collaborative studies and books (typically 10,000+ words or book-length).

These are substantial works that emerge from long-term research projects, think tank fellowships, or multi-partner collaborations. Reports may include chapters, annexes, or technical appendices.

Examples:

• A comprehensive study on cross-border logistics in the Carpathian region

• A book with several contributions

• Thematic reports summarizing multi-year Blue Europe initiatives

E) Reviews & Academia

Book reviews, academic commentary, literature insights (typically 1,000–2,500 words).

This section connects Blue Europe’s policy-oriented mission with the academic world by offering thoughtful reflections on scholarly work. It is dedicated to reviews of recent academic publications, summaries of original research, and insights from ongoing academic debates relevant to Central and Eastern Europe.

We invite submissions from scholars, PhD candidates, and research fellows who wish to share their work or comment on others’ contributions in a concise, accessible, and policy-aware format.

Contributions should aim to speak to both policy professionals and fellow academics. Clarity, structure, and accessibility are encouraged.