The research theme Socio-Economic Challenges focuses on two key issues: globalisation, European integration and their impact on the welfare state; and the institutional architecture of European solidarity.

Governing Europe focuses on three interrelated sets of issues: institutional trajectories of European governance, regulatory governance within the EU, and external dimensions of EU governance.

Politics and Publics focuses on three main sets of issues: attitudes towards European integration, media and politics, and democracy and justice.

Diverse Europe focuses on Europe as a space of increasing diversity, which is met with increasing contestation. Today’s Europe is confronted with a rise of populist nationalism, right and left-wing identitarianism, and authoritarian revolt.

Europe in the World addresses Europe’s multiple interactions in a transnational setting. Topics range from the EU's formal external relations and questions about its border management and migration policies, to its postcolonial ties and the mobility of people, goods, and ideas connecting the continent to the wider world.