The German-Nordic-Baltic Forum (GNBF) traditionally brings together thinkers - academics from EU think tanks and universities – as well as planners - representatives from politics and administration of the partner countries – and thus facilitates the exchange between academia and politics. Current problems in the region are identified in order to work out possible common solutions. Through an exchange of best practices, the forum aims to identify and discuss similarities and differences between the states in the region along annually changing themes. Based on the ensuing forum debates, IEP and the respective partner institute usually prepare an executive summary or paper that captures the key findings of the forum.
The GNBF was launched in 2008 in consultation with the planning staff of the German Foreign Office. The Forum is traditionally hosted by a different partner country each year.