Gerald Knaus Keynote Speaker

Gerald Knaus is an Austrian social scientist and one of Europe’s most influential voices on migration, borders and democratic resilience. He founded the European Stability Initiative (ESI) and has led it since 1999, known for turning field research into policy ideas that decision-makers can use in real time. Based in Istanbul since 2004, he brings an on-the-ground international outlook shaped by work across Europe and its neighbourhood.

From the Aegean and the Western Balkans to Ankara and Brussels, Knaus analyses how Europe manages pressure at its frontiers—and what happens when institutions lose legitimacy. He helped shape the EU–Turkey Statement on Migration (2016) and his work also contributed to uncovering the “Caviar Diplomacy” corruption scandal at the Council of Europe (2017). He is also a founding member of the European Council on Foreign Relations and has held roles at Harvard Kennedy School’s Carr Center, combining academic rigour with hard-edged practicality.

Knaus is the co-author of Can Intervention Work? (2011) with Rory Stewart, and of the award-winning SPIEGEL bestseller Welche Grenzen brauchen wir? (2020). In 2025, he and Francesca Knaus published Welches Europa brauchen wir? (Piper) and brought its ideas into live debate at events including a TUM Think Tank masterclass, a Politeia Conference session at KU Leuven, and a CIDOB breakfast in Barcelona. On stage, he equips leaders to navigate migration pressures, geopolitical bargaining and democratic backsliding with strategies that are both effective and values-driven.