Centre d'Estudis de Temes Contemporanis

The Centre d'Estudis de Temes Contemporanis (CETC), known in Spanish as the Centro de Estudios de Temas Contemporáneos and in English as the Contemporary Issues Studies Centre, is a think tank of the Generalitat de Catalunya dedicated to the analysis, debate and reflection on contemporary issues. It was founded in 1989 and has since become a reference point in Catalan academic, social and institutional life. It is headquartered at Via Laietana 14 in Barcelona and currently forms part of the Directorate-General for Analysis and Strategic Planning of the Department of Foreign Action, Institutional Relations and Transparency of the Generalitat de Catalunya. The CETC's core activity is the study and diagnosis of global trends and debates that affect both Catalan and universal realities, with a particular emphasis on international relations. It publishes the journal IDEES, a magazine of contemporary thought that has been issued since 1999, and it organizes conferences, seminars and public events. Among its regular activities are the monthly online series 'Finestra d'Idees' on YouTube, the fortnightly newsletter 'Idees d'actualitat', and various conferences dedicated to key contemporary topics. The centre also maintains an active presence on social media, notably through the Instagram account @idees_cat. As a public unit, the CETC's functions are defined by Article 33 of Decree 83/2019 of 24 April on the restructuring of the Department of Foreign Action, Institutional Relations and Transparency. These functions include studying and evaluating contemporary events and trends, promoting and coordinating related publications and activities, advising other departments of the Generalitat, creating open spaces for debate, fostering a network of contemporary thought in Catalonia, and facilitating the participation of Catalan actors in international forums. The centre also coordinates the dissemination of its reports and research results, especially through its journal. The CETC has been directed by a series of prominent figures, including Jaume Lorés (1989–1998), Àngel Castiñeira (1998–2004), Jaume Renyer (2004–2005), Enric Pujol (2005–2006), Joaquim Albareda (2006), Alfred Bosch (2007–2010), Ferran Sáez Mateu (2011–2015), Quim Torra (2016–2017), Pere Almeda Samaranch (2017–2021), Manuel Manonelles (2021–2022) and Pau Mas (2023–2024). Since September 2024, the director is Francisco Javier Sánchez Cano. Through its publications and events, the CETC engages with a wide range of contemporary issues, from European integration and migration to climate emergency and geopolitical conflicts. It has participated in international book fairs such as the Guadalajara International Book Fair and has organized activities related to the Conference on the Future of Europe. The centre remains an active platform for informed debate and analysis within Catalonia and beyond.

The Centre d'Estudis de Temes Contemporanis (CETC) was founded in 1989, at a time when Catalonia was consolidating its autonomous institutions and seeking to strengthen its analytical capacity on global affairs. From its inception, it was conceived as a unit dedicated to the analysis and debate of contemporary issues, quickly becoming a reference in Catalan academic, social and institutional circles. Its first director was Jaume Lorés, who led the centre from 1989 to 1998 and set the tone for its multidisciplinary and internationally oriented approach. In 1999, the centre launched the journal IDEES, a magazine of contemporary thought that became its flagship publication. IDEES has since published numerous monographs on topics ranging from European integration to climate change, migration and geopolitical conflicts. The journal is published in digital format and serves as a platform for experts and intellectuals to contribute to public debate. Over the decades, the CETC has been directed by a succession of notable figures, each bringing their own perspective. Àngel Castiñeira (1998–2004) expanded the centre's activities, while Jaume Renyer (2004–2005) and Enric Pujol (2005–2006) maintained its academic rigor. Joaquim Albareda's brief tenure in 2006 was followed by Alfred Bosch (2007–2010), who later became a prominent politician. Ferran Sáez Mateu (2011–2015) further developed the centre's public engagement, and Quim Torra (2016–2017) later became President of the Generalitat de Catalunya. Subsequent directors include Pere Almeda Samaranch (2017–2021), Manuel Manonelles (2021–2022) and Pau Mas (2023–2024). Since September 2024, the director is Francisco Javier Sánchez Cano. Institutionally, the CETC has evolved within the structure of the Generalitat. It currently forms part of the Directorate-General for Analysis and Strategic Planning of the Department of Foreign Action, Institutional Relations and Transparency. Its functions were formally defined by Decree 83/2019 of 24 April, which assigned it responsibilities such as studying and evaluating contemporary trends, promoting publications and activities, advising other government departments, creating spaces for debate, and fostering a network of contemporary thought in Catalonia. In recent years, the CETC has expanded its digital outreach. It organizes the monthly online series 'Finestra d'Idees' on YouTube, produces the fortnightly newsletter 'Idees d'actualitat', and maintains an active presence on Instagram under @idees_cat. It has also participated in international events such as the Guadalajara International Book Fair, where it presented the IDEES journal and took part in round tables. The centre has engaged with major contemporary debates, including the Conference on the Future of Europe, climate emergency, migration and the war in Iran, often in collaboration with experts and other institutions. Through these activities, the CETC continues to fulfill its mission as a public think tank serving Catalonia's international projection and informed public debate.

• 2024

  Francisco Javier Sánchez Cano becomes director in September 2024.

• 2019

  Decree 83/2019 of 24 April formally defines the functions of the CETC within the Department of Foreign Action, Institutional Relations and Transparency.

• 1999

  Launch of the journal IDEES, the centre's flagship publication.

• 1989

  Foundation of the Centre d'Estudis de Temes Contemporanis (CETC) in Barcelona.

A public think tank of the Generalitat de Catalunya providing analysis and debate on contemporary global issues, with a focus on international relations and Catalan perspectives.

• Revista IDEES

  A journal of contemporary thought published since 1999, featuring monographs on global issues.

• Finestra d'Idees

  A monthly online conversation series broadcast on YouTube.

• Idees d'actualitat

  A fortnightly newsletter on current affairs.

1. 1Temes contemporanis. Departament d'Unió Europea i Acció Exteriorexteriors.gencat.cat
2. 2Conferència sobre el Futur d'Europa. Departament d'Unió Europea i Acció Exteriorexteriors.gencat.cat
3. 3Catalunya i les cimeres sobre el Canvi Climàtic. Departament d'Unió Europea i Acció Exteriorexteriors.gencat.cat
4. 4Centro de Estudios de Temas Contemporáneos - Wikipediaes.wikipedia.org
5. 5Contemporary Issues Studies Centre - Wikidatawikidata.org