The IBEI is a private foundation in Barcelona that is promoted by the Barcelona Center for International Studies (CIDOB). Its aim is to be a prestigious, leading centre of excellence in international studies, to train experts in the general concepts of international relations, and to increase the importance of Barcelona in this field.
The IBEI was recognised as an inter-university institute by the Ministry of Innovation, Universities and Enterprise of the Catalan government (Generalitat de Catalunya) on 22 July 2004 (DOGC no. 4180). The Institute’s Board is ultimately responsible for governance, representation and decision-making.