Economic Policy Institute (EPI) is a non-governmental, politically independent and not-for-profit organization, founded in 1997. EPI's mission is to contribute to utilizing the full potential of Bulgaria by enhancing the competitiveness of its economy and increasing the efficiency of its public institutions. In this way, EPI aims at adding value to the membership of Bulgaria in the European Union and thus at supporting the reform processes in South Eastern Europe. To achieve this, EPI delivers policy recommendations in a wide range of spheres based on economic research and interdisciplinary analyses; elaborates on and advocates for alternative approaches in the field of economic policy and specific economic sectors; encourages public discussions on economic and socioeconomic issues and raises awareness among decision-makers, civil society and other stakeholders.