An increasingly influential stream of research demonstrates the integration of cognition and emotion in political decision-making, indicating the importance of narratives in building shared visions. Therefore, a key pillar of Re-Imagine Europa’s work is developing stories and images that can engage people and posit old problems in a new light to build much-needed shared visions. Working with our members and partners, we engage with people to depolarise issues of strategic importance to Europe and create inclusive and constructive ideas for the future.
Informed by insights from leading researchers working in psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, cognitive science, and the social sciences, we critically analyse assumptions and underlying attitudes towards divisive issues. This is the basis of Re-Imagine Europa’s narrative approach to understanding and building consensus on key topics and polarised issues.
We build task forces for each of our three thematic areas by engaging a committee of experts from academia, think tanks, industry, NGOs, CSOs, and other stakeholders. Activities include research, high-level expert roundtables, conferences, advocacy, engagement campaigns and publications. You can learn more about our task forces by visiting our Areas section and following our social media channels (Twitter and LinkedIn).
The R.E.F.R.A.M.E. methodology
Emotions are deeply intertwined with reasoning and decision-making. Taking up the words of RIE’s Advisory Board Member António Damásio, “We are not thinking machines that feel; we are feeling machines that think”.
In conflict, emotions can escalate tensions. RIE’s efforts aim not to strip emotion from the debate but to navigate it wisely, avoiding pitfalls. The R.E.F.R.A.M.E. methodology introduces a systematic approach to this end, guiding stakeholders away from divisive rhetoric towards a more constructive, inclusive dialogue: it isn’t about winning arguments or defeating opposition but rather about exploring and discussing diverse perspectives to cultivate viable solutions.
This approach transcends the limiting dichotomies of ‘us vs. them’, fostering a space where innovative yet inclusive solutions can emerge, going beyond the cycle of distrust.
We’ve distilled our communication strategies into the seven-point R.E.F.R.A.M.E. methodology that together form a blueprint for depolarising the debate:
The R.E.F.R.A.M.E. methodology isn’t just a theoretical framework; it’s a practical toolkit designed to build bridges and unlock progress when traditional communication hits a wall. Whether your organization is navigating complex policy transitions, stakeholder friction, or deep-seated sector divisions, Re-Imagine Europa provides the narrative backbone to turn that friction into collaborative momentum. We invite partners to work with us in applying these insights to their specific areas of impact, turning fragmentation into a functional dialogue for a more cohesive and resilient humanity.