Think Tank Review 139 - March 2026

 

Library blog Monday, 23 March 2026

● General Secretariat of the Council   Think Tank Review 139 - March 2026   The evolution of the enlargement process and what can truly be achieved in 2026, the EU’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy, eurobonds for European strategic autonomy, better coordination for a more efficient European energy system, what the EU can do about Trump 2.0, steps for a European defence surge, European and Chinese exports, the status of the US dollar as a reserve currency, and the US-Israeli strikes on Iran are some of the topics discussed in this issue.

OTT MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

 

Dear OTT Community, March feels like a moment of arrival. After a busy start to the year — with the School for Thinktankers wrapped up in Barcelona and the OTT Conference in Rabat now in sight — I have been thinking about how much of what we do at OTT comes back to a single question: what does it actually mean to support a think tank well? Not just to fund it, but to strengthen it. This month, I want to highlight some ways we are trying to answer that question together with you. Our advisory programme works directly with think tank leaders — offering tailored, one-to-one support on the management and strategic challenges that don't get resolved in a grant proposal. The School for Thinktankers builds the skills and networks that leaders carry with them long after the week in Barcelona ends. And the OTT Conference brings our community together to think harder, and more honestly, about what it takes to build institutions that last. If you are a funder wondering how to deepen your support to grantees beyond the grant itself, these are three concrete places to start.

OTT THINK TANK

 

Dear Partner, 

On Think Tank’s 100 Think Tanks to Watch list shines a light on organisations that peers believe are shaping conversations, influencing policy, and innovating in their contexts. The 2025 list featured think tanks from 50 countries, nominated by colleagues across the field. 

tt newsletter,update

 

Dear OTT Community,

We’ve just returned from the milestone 10th edition of the School for Thinktankers!

Here’s what they had to say —

Much of the conversation moved beyond technical fixes to focus on organisational coherence—how to align strategy, systems, and teams; move away from short-term, project-driven decision-making; and articulate relevance in increasingly complex and contested policy environments. Learning extended well beyond the classroom through site visits, real-life simulations, and candid peer exchanges, prompting a shared rethinking of leadership not just as a role, but as an internal practice rooted in culture, trust, and shared purpose. By the end of the week, the School was a community space just as much it was a training programme—replacing professional isolation with a sense of belonging to a global network facing common challenges.

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,think tank,update

 

Library blog Wednesday, 11 February 2026

● General Secretariat of the Council   Think Tank Review 138 - February 2026   EU enlargement in the Western Balkans, the EU’s new rules for better regulation, Chinese restrictions on foreign critical tech infrastructure, transatlantic cooperation on protecting minors online, the EU’s digital sovereignty, Greenland and American ambitions, the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, the US intervention in Venezuela, and the new US national security strategy are some of the topics featured in this issue

think tank,COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Συνεδριάσεις Δευτέρα, 26 Ιανουαρίου 2026

● Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης   26/01/2026 11:35 | Συνεδριάσεις | Κύρια σημεία της ημερήσιας διάταξης - Συμβούλιο Εξωτερικών Υποθέσεων, 29 January 2026   Το Συμβούλιο Εξωτερικών Υποθέσεων θα ανταλλάξει απόψεις σχετικά με τον επιθετικό πόλεμο της Ρωσίας κατά της Ουκρανίας, την κατάσταση στη Μέση Ανατολή και την περιοχή των Μεγάλων Λιμνών και θα πραγματοποιήσει άτυπες συζητήσεις, μία σχετικά με τις προοπτικές για το 2026, και μία με τον Ύπατο Αρμοστή του ΟΗΕ για τα Ανθρώπινα Δικαιώματα.

OTT THINK TANK

 

Dear ,

In 2026, we will celebrate the 10th edition of the OTT Conference. This year, the Policy Center for the New South will warmly welcome us to Rabat for three days of discussion and exchange. Together, we will explore one of the most pressing questions facing the policy and research community today: Can think tanks remain trustworthy and relevant in a world where trust is eroding? 

This three-day event will offer: 

• Deep-dive sessions and interactive workshops 
• Opportunities to connect and network with peers from every region 
• A platform to share your work, insights, and perspectives 

OTT Community,update

 

Dear OTT Community,

We hope you had a restful end to the year and that 2026 is off to a good start.

January is a moment to ease back in—and to look ahead. Below is a snapshot of what’s coming up across 2026, and where there are opportunities to engage with OTT through the year.

 

 

Alongside our usual offer for information, networking and learning opportunities, we’re excited to share

OTT's newsletter

 

 

Dear OTT Community,

As we close out 2025, our final newsletter of the year is anchored by a milestone we are especially proud to share: the launch of the OTT 2025 Annual Review. This edition brings together the most significant insights, trends, and lessons from across our global community—capturing a year marked by growth, collaboration, and renewed commitment to support think tanks and funders on their mission to strengthen evidence-informed policy.

Read OTT's 2025 Annual Review

2025 in numbers:

• Insights from 330+ organisations analysed in the State of the Sector 2025 report, downloaded by 800+ readers so far
• 3,880+ organisations now in the Open Think Tank Directory

think tank,COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Saturday, 13 December 2025

● Council of the EU   13/12/2025 04:09 | Press release | Fishing opportunities for 2026 in EU and non-EU waters: Council secures agreement   Fisheries ministers have reached a political agreement on fishing opportunities in the Atlantic, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and other waters for 2026 and for certain stocks for 2027 and 2028. The deal, reached following two days of negotiations, sets out fishing catch limits, known as ‘total allowable catches’ (TACs), and fishing effort limits for the most important commercial fish stocks. Fishing effort refers to the size and engine power of a vessel combined with the number of days spent fishing.

ΟΤΤ think tank

 

Dear OTT Partner, 

We’re excited to announce that preparations are underway for the OTT Conference 2026, taking place in Rabat, Morocco (19–21 May 2026), hosted by the Policy Center for the New South. 

This year’s gathering promises to be a vibrant and memorable one. We’ll kick things off on the evening of 19 May with a public event that will set the tone for three days of inspiration and connection. On 21 May, we’ll close with a special cocktail celebrating OTT’s 15th anniversary. 

OTT Community,think tank

 

 

 Extended deadline: 15 December 2025
 Barcelona, Spain |  2–6 February 2026
 CPD certified

Apply now

 

Dear OTT Community,

The countdown is on—and we’ve just extended the deadline to 15 December.

Places are filling fast, and applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, which means the earlier you apply, the better your chances of securing a spot. 

If you’ve been considering joining the CPD-certified School for Thinktankers 2026, this is your moment.

OTT THINK TANK,latest news

 

 

Dear OTT Community,

The past week has been a special one for us at OTT. We unveiled our new list of 100 Think Tanks to Watch (and learn from): a peer-driven recognition of organisations that are shaping ideas, influencing policy, and inspiring collaboration across the globe.

See the full list

From youth-led climate labs in Africa to data-driven education reformers in Latin America, and policy

On Think Tanks:"Limited spots left for the School for Thinktankers (now CPD certified): Apply now!"

Application deadline: 30 November 2025  Barcelona, Spain |  2–6 February 2026  Now CPD certified! Apply now   Dear OTT Community, Time is running out to secure your spot at the 10th edition of the School for Thinktankers—On Think Tanks’ flagship programme for current and future think tank leaders, researchers, and policy professionals.

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,THINK TANK,update

 

Press material Monday, 13 October 2025

● European Council   13/10/2025 20:11 | Statements and remarks | Statement by President António Costa following his participation in the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit   I would like to thank President Donald J. Trump and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for their leadership and for hosting this Summit for Peace. My first thoughts go to the victims of terrorism of the 7 October attack and the civilian victims of the war in Gaza.

think tank,COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Library blog Thursday, 09 October 2025

● General Secretariat of the Council   Think Tank reports on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine   Can Europe still hear Ukraine, and should European countries deploy a