The story of the European Internet Forum
The story of the European Internet Forum history begins in the year 2000, at a moment when Europe stood on the edge of profound technological change. The internet was shifting from experiment to everyday life, and inside the European Parliament, Members were confronted with questions for which no political blueprint yet existed.
As Elly Plooij recalls, “In 1995, we had in the Parliament a big exhibition organised by the Americans and Al Gore about the internet highway number one… It was a wake-up call for us parliamentarians. I thought, here will happen something, an enormous influence on society, education, on everything.” This sense of urgency inspired a small group of MEPs to create something new.
In 2000, Elly Plooij, Erika Mann and James Elles launched the European Internet Forum, a neutral, MEP-led platform designed to help policymakers understand the fast-changing digital world. As Mrs Plooij summarised, “We felt that we needed an independent open platform… And most important, it was not a lobbying organisation. It was led by MEPs. They were in the driver’s seat.”
A Forum Like No Other
From the outset, EIF offered something unique in Brussels: a trusted space for open dialogue where facts came before positions. James Elles describes those early days as “an agitated atmosphere digitally… a needed moment for a platform to emerge that could bring these different issues together.”
In meeting rooms across the European Parliament, the first EIF debates brought together MEPs, industry leaders, the European Commission, academics and civil society. As Advisor Peter Linton explains, “The legislative agenda was growing, but Parliament had no real way to connect to the outside world. EIF offered a solution to that, connecting to the real world of telecom and other technologies, but without a specific interest.”
This openness quickly became EIF’s signature. Erika Mann reflects on the uncertainty of that period: “It was a completely different ecosystem… We were uncertain how this would evolve, but we knew that something special was happening.” That instinct proved right.
Building dialogue, exchange and foresight
As Europe’s digital agenda grew, EIF evolved with it. What began as debates soon expanded into a broader programme that today includes MEP visits, tech masterclasses, and the #EIFasks interview series. These activities opened pathways for MEPs, assistants and advisers to learn directly from innovators and practitioners.
Director General Maria Rosa Gibellini describes this evolution: “We’ve constantly enhanced EIF’s value proposition beyond the programme of live debates, with hands-on visits, MEP interviews and tech masterclasses. While the Forum remains true to its original raison d’être, it has successfully evolved over time.”
Alongside this practical work, EIF developed a strong tradition of foresight. Through long-term conversations about technological, economic and socio-political change, Members explored how future digital trends might reshape Europe. James Elles recalls one influential moment: “EIF's recent report authored by Ajit Jaokar ‘The Digital World towards 2040,’ includes a phrase that AI could become the biggest disruptor for Europe since the Second World War. That phrase was taken into the "ESPAS 2040" report as something really relevant.” And as Peter Linton adds, “By looking at future digital trends, we are able to anticipate technological, social and political consequences for Europe and the world.”
This kind of anticipatory thinking became an important part of EIF’s contribution to European digital policy, helping decision-makers see not only the issues of today, but those taking shape on the horizon.
The People Behind the Forum
The story of the European Internet Forum history is ultimately the story of the people who shaped it. Co‑founding MEPs Elly Plooij, Erika Mann and James Elles set the tone for openness and learning. Former Steering Committee Chair Pilar del Castillo MEP guided the Forum through significant growth, describing EIF as “the most valuable forum for debates on digital transformation in Brussels.” Their leadership helped establish EIF’s reputation as a trusted, politically neutral space.
Today, under the leadership of Steering Committee Chair Marina Kaljurand MEP and Director General Maria Rosa Gibellini, EIF continues to expand its community and activities, supported by transparent governance, a diverse membership, and a commitment to inclusivity that has remained unchanged for 25 years. Read more about EIF here.
Looking ahead and celebrating 25 Years
Looking ahead, James Elles sees continuity and opportunity: “If it’s been created over time and 25 years and what it’s doing is successful, then I would urge simply that it continues to do what it’s been doing, but always listening to the members. This is a platform with a big future because digital always grows.”
For its 25th anniversary celebration, EIF produced two short films that tell this story in the voices of those who lived it. The first, "European Internet Forum - The story" captures the Forum’s origins, purpose and evolution. The second is an extended version which traces the journey from its founding moments to the future opportunities ahead, with more detailed stories.
As Elly Plooij puts it, “I’m very proud of what EIF is doing, and I wish all the people involved, MEPs and the Secretariat, enormous success for the future.”
Today, as digital issues touch almost every policy file, EIF continues to offer a space where MEPs can learn fast, think together and engage early, ensuring that the next chapter of the European Internet Forum history remains rooted in understanding, collaboration and trust.
Watch the films
European Internet Forum - The story
European Internet Forum - The story (extended version)
I’m very proud of what EIF is doing, and I wish all the people involved, MEPs and the Secretariat, enormous success for the future.
EIF's recent report authored by Ajit Jaokar ‘The Digital World towards 2040,’ includes a phrase that AI could become the biggest disruptor for Europe since the Second World War. That phrase was taken into the "ESPAS 2040" report as something really relevant.
By looking at future digital trends, we are able to anticipate technological, social and political consequences for Europe and the world.
We’ve constantly enhanced EIF’s value proposition beyond the programme of live debates, with hands-on visits, MEP interviews and tech masterclasses. While the Forum remains true to its original raison d’être, it has successfully evolved over time.
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