IEP Board of Trustees Appoints New President and Director of the Institute

The Board of Trustees of the Institute convened on April 8 and has appointed a new President and a new Director to lead the Institute in its next phase of development. 

The newly appointed President will take office with immediate effect. The new Director will assume their role starting June 1. 

The new President of the Institute, prof. Marta Cartabia, is a full professor of Italian and European constitutional law at Bocconi University, President Emerita of the Constitutional Court of Italy and former Minister of Justice of Italy. She is also President of the Council of Europe's Venice Commission.  

A leading scholar in constitutional law, with extensive expertise in EU institutional frameworks, governance, values of the European society and European constitutional heritage, she combines academic excellence with a proven track record of leadership in institutional settings. 

She will strengthen the Institute’s capacity to shape public debate and contribute to policy discussions on European integration, the rule of law, and the balance of powers in multilevel governance systems. 

The newly appointed Director, Dr. Paloma Lopez-Garcia, is an economist known for bringing rigorous research to bear on the policy questions that shape people’s lives. 

In previous senior roles, including at the European Central Bank, she has combined analytical depth with practical policy insight, helping turn complex economic evidence into clearer decision-making.  

She is widely recognized for leading interdisciplinary research and policy initiatives and for her commitment to using sound economic reasoning to advance societal welfare. 

Commenting on the appointments, Andrea Sironi, President of Bocconi University, stated: 

“The Board of Trustees expressed its deepest gratitude to the previous President, Catherine De Vries, and to IEP founding Director, Daniel Gros, who has concluded his 3-year term.  

Having reached the retirement age, Daniel will continue to collaborate with IEP as a Senior Fellow.  

We are confident that the new leadership will build on this strong foundation and further strengthen the Institute’s mission to conduct, debate and disseminate high quality research on the major policy issues facing Europe, its Member States and its citizens, in a rapidly changing world, acting also as a policy accelerator with Bocconi University.” 

The newly appointed President of the Institute, Marta Cartabia, said: “I’m grateful for the Board’s trust and look forward to working with colleagues and partners to advance the Institute’s mission and strengthen its impact. 

At a time of global uncertainty, the role of Europe and the European Union is more important than ever, and the Institute has a key part to play in supporting informed debate and sound policy proposals.” 

Paloma Lopez-Garcia, added: “I am very pleased to join the Institute and Bocconi University at such a significant moment in its development, and at a decisive moment for Europe. 

I look forward to working with colleagues to build on IEP's strengths in research and to further expand its role as a catalyst for policy-relevant ideas and evidence. 

For me, the most meaningful research is both rigorous and action‑oriented: it deepens our understanding of the forces shaping Europe and translates that understanding into better policymaking and outcomes for citizens.” 

Further details on the new leadership will be shared in the coming weeks.