In a significant step reflecting its expanding international presence and growing research footprint in Europe, TRENDS Global and the Euro-Gulf Information Centre (EGIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Rome, launching a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening research cooperation, advancing policy analysis, and promoting dialogue on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The MoU was signed on the sidelines of a joint discussion session organized by TRENDS Global through its Virtual Office in Italy. The event explored prospects for research collaboration between the two institutions and highlighted the role of think tanks in forecasting the future, analyzing geopolitical and economic transformations, and fostering sustainable knowledge partnerships capable of producing evidence-based insights to support policymakers in an increasingly dynamic global environment.
The MoU was signed on behalf of TRENDS Global by Awad Al Breiki, Director General, and on behalf of the Euro-Gulf Information Centre (EGIC) by Matthew Robinson, Director of the Centre.
The agreement establishes a strategic framework for cooperation between the two institutions, both of which are committed to advancing policy research, strategic analysis, and public engagement. Under the MoU, the two organizations will collaborate on joint research projects, exchange researchers and expertise, produce strategic studies, organize conferences, academic events, and policy dialogues, while strengthening connections between experts and research institutions across Europe and the Gulf.
The partnership also aims to expand scientific collaboration and produce evidence-based research that contributes to addressing regional and international challenges while fostering stronger intellectual and academic ties between Europe and the Gulf region.
For his part, Awad Al Breiki, Director General of TRENDS Global, said that the partnership with EGIC represents an important step within TRENDS’ strategy to expand cooperation with leading international think tanks.
He noted that the discussions between the two institutions underscored the importance of employing scientific knowledge to analyze rapidly evolving geopolitical and economic developments. He added that the agreement would pave the way for broader joint research initiatives, greater exchange of expertise, and the organization of academic events and policy dialogues that support informed decision-making and promote a culture of scientific foresight grounded in data and research.
Matthew Robinson, Director of the Euro-Gulf Information Centre (EGIC), expressed his pleasure at establishing the partnership with TRENDS Global, emphasizing that the agreement reflects the two institutions’ shared vision of the central role of scientific research and strategic analysis in understanding international developments and anticipating future trends.
He said the joint work between the two organizations would contribute to building strong and sustainable intellectual bridges between think tanks in Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, expanding the exchange of expertise and perspectives on issues of common interest, promoting constructive dialogue, advancing knowledge production, and supporting the development of more effective and responsive public policies.
