Event
New Direction is pleased to present the 2025 edition of Think Tank Central – our annual flagship conference bringing together organisations from across the centre-right. This year the theme is ‘Freedom in a Changing World’ – as we face the continued threat of conflict on our continent, economic turmoil, and a rapidly polarising society, we must come up with new ideas to advance the ideas of a free society.
Join us in Brussels from 20th-21st May 2025 for our fourth Think Tank Central conference, and become a part of a growing movement of civil society organisations advancing freedom.
Agenda
Morning
Arrivals, Coffee & Registration
09:00 - 09:10 am
Introduction of the President
09:10 - 09:30 am
Keynote Speech
The Conservative Vision for Freedom in the 21st Century
What does conservatism mean in the 21st century - and why is freedom the main vehicle for the conservative movement?
09:30 - 10:30 am
Panel 1
Beauty
Conservatives spend a lot of time talking about policy, but sometimes forget that it is important to respect beauty. We need to be able to identify with the world around us and create a sense of belonging. That belonging can be related to a place, or a feeling, or a sense of spiritual connection beyond the material world - beauty creates that bridge.
11:00 - 12:30 pm
Panel 2
The Defense of the Free World
With active conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, and the threat of war in Asia and Latin America, the world has never been more dangerous. The need to strengthen Europe and NATO, and renew the bonds of the free world has never been more clear. The questions are however, how can we achieve this? How do we re-arm? And can we still call on the United States for support?
12:30 - 14:00
Coalition Lunch
Coalition meeting organised by American for Tax Reform in which member think tanks can introduce themselves and their work to other people present.
Hosted by Tholos Foundation (Lorenzo Montanari, USA)
14:00 - 15:30
Breakout session 1
Migration
The migrant crisis of 2014 radically changed the shape of societies in Europe, putting increased pressure on public services and exposing societal problems at home. Over the last decade, European policy makers have struggled to come to grips with the scale of the issue. However, new approaches are starting to see an impact. The question remains, what are the best strategies for tackling migration and how do we implement them?
Educational Freedom
The debate over what should be taught to our children, and how, in Europe has intensified with recent cases of cancel culture against teachers and the advancement of progressive ideas in the curriculum. For that reason the discussion about educational freedom and school choice for parents should be re-opened. How can we give parents more control over what their children learn? What can we do to protect academics from cancel culture? And how can we make education more competitive?
15:30 - 16:00
Coffee Break
16:00 - 17:30
Breakout session 2
Stewardship of the Natural World
Caring for and protecting the environment is not only a moral duty but also a responsibility to future generations. The conservative tradition recognises the natural order as an essential part of our shared heritage. In an age where environmentalism is too often hijacked by ideological agendas and centralised control, we must address an approach that combines sustainability with economic freedom and subsidiarity (local government). How do we safeguard our natural resources without undermining the prosperity of our communities? And what policies truly promote responsible stewardship from the ground up?
The Next Generation of Conservative Leaders
The future of the conservative movement in Europe relies on our ability to raise a new generation of conservative activists rooted in tradition, liberty, and national identity. Tomorrow’s leaders must be prepared not only to defend our values but to renew them for a changing world. How do we cultivate the next generation of leadership? What structures and networks are needed to ensure continuity and growth across generations of conservatives?
18:00 - 21:00
Evening Reception & Buffet Dinner
09:00 - 10:30 am
Breakout Session 3
Conservative Economics: Free Trade vs Protectionism
The recent debate about tariffs and a trade war between great powers has reignited the debate about what kind of economic policy conservatives should take. On one side of the argument are those who make the case that reducing tariffs and regulatory burden free up the economy and generate mass prosperity. On the other side are those who favour state intervention and argue that it is the role of the government to protect industry from foreign competition.
European Industrial Policy
Europe is facing a productivity crisis, as highlighted by the recent ‘Draghi Report’, which demonstrates that over regulation and high taxes have destroyed competitiveness. The question then is what kind of industrial policy the EU should adopt? What fiscal tools can be used? And what regulation can be removed to ease competitiveness?
10:30 - 11:00 am
Coffee Break
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Breakout sessions 2
Digital Freedom and Big Tech Regulation
Recent cases of de-platforming have highlighted the extent to which big tech companies cannot be trusted on the issue of free speech. Social Media platforms have been found to politicise their algorithms against more conservative voices. At the same time, there is the question of the spread of disinformation.
AI vs Human beings – Risks and Opportunities
As global powers race to dominate AI, the West risks ceding strategic ground to authoritarian regimes that exploit these technologies without regard for human rights or ethical boundaries. At the same time, AI raises critical moral questions: What remains of human agency, responsibility, and identity in a world driven by algorithms? For conservatives, the answer lies in defending the primacy of the human person, upholding ethical limits, and ensuring that innovation serves free nations, not the other way around. Can Europe forge a path that protects its values while remaining competitive on the world stage?
12:30 - 13:00
Lunch
