Elcano Royal Institute Foundation for International and Strategic Studies (Fundación Real Instituto Elcano de Estudios Internacionales y Estratégicos)

The Elcano Royal Institute for International and Strategic Studies (Elcano) is Spain’s leading think tank on international and strategic affairs. Founded in 2001 as a non-profit private foundation in Madrid, it has had a Brussels office since 2016. Its structure balances public and private interests, fostering plural and independent debate. 

Elcano analyses political, social, economic, energy, climate and security trends that shape the global order, with a focus on Spain’s role and interests. It produces policy papers, reports, expert commentaries and indexes to inform decision-making and public debate. 

Its mission is to provide innovative, inclusive and informed responses to global challenges by analysing Spain’s role in the world, with a particular emphasis on its position in Europe, and assessing how global transformations affect the EU and Spain. It promotes sustainability, peace, security, prosperity, equality, democracy, freedom and human rights. 

Elcan’s activities include research and analysis, dialogue and debate, communication and dissemination, institutional relations and networks, and support to Spanish policy. 

It engages with Spanish ministries, European institutions, international organisations, corporate partners, academic networks, civil society, media and non-governmental organisations. In 2024, Elcano produced over 380 publications, held more than 200 events, and reached over 130,000 social media followers.