Background brief - Agriculture and Fisheries Council

 

Meetings Thursday, 25 April 2024

● Council of the EU   25/04/2024 15:06 | Meetings | Background brief - Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 29 April 2024, 29 April 2024   Background brief - Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 29 April 2024

Library blog Thursday, 25 April 2024

● General Secretariat of the Council   Think Tank Review - April 2024   June European Parliament election forecasts, geopolitical parameters of enlargement, disruption of global supply chains and its impact, international and EU asylum governance regimes, institutionalisation of the European industrial policy, evolution of the EU’s defence strategy, a post-Brexit vision on trade matters, and the reconfiguration of international relations towards an asymmetric multipolar order are some of the topics featured in the April Think Tank review.

On Think Tanks:Win a communications reality check for your think tank

 

Dear OTT Community,

How many people walk past think tank offices where you live without knowing what transpires within?

Early think tanks started in their communities, addressing local issues. But in many parts of the world today, they are seen as the elite. So, what communities do think tanks belong to? How can and do think tanks contribute to their communities, and how can they build trust with them?

I look forward to meeting many of you next month to explore these questions at OTT Conference 2024. We'll be hosted by Fundació Bofill in Barcelona, Spain, 21-23 May. And there is still time to register your interest in attending, so don’t miss out!

The programme: See the current lineup of keynote speakers, plenary and parallel sessions. Sessions are co-designed with participants, ensuring lots of space to discuss the issues you’re interested in. And of course, plenty of networking and opportunities to connect and exchange.

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,think tank..QThink Tank Review - March 2024

 

Library blog Τετάρτη, 27 Μαρτίου 2024

● Γενική Γραμματεία του Συμβουλίου   Think Tank Review - March 2024

On Think Tanks :Conference keynote speakers announced I The promises and perils of AI

 

Dear OTT Community,

You can now explore the draft agenda for OTT Conference, May 2024. New sessions are added each week. The keynote speaker lineup promises thought-provoking insights from think tank leaders across four continents:

• Liliana Alvarado, Executive Director of Ethos in Mexico will discuss the changing roles of think tanks and the need to engage with new actors and methodologies.
• Tricia Yeoh, CEO of IDEAS in Malaysia will share her experience building bottom-up accountability with grassroots communities.
• Ismael Palacín, Director of Fundació Bofill in Spain will explore rebuilding think tank trust and legitimacy with their audiences.
• Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, CEO of SAIIA in South Africa will explore the role of think tanks in moulding active and responsible citizens through youth engagement.

And, as ever, lots of excellent new content from the team and community to explore:

• Evidence-use in the Jordanian Parliament: discussions with current parliamentarians, (series) by Farah Al Hadid
• In conversation with Vinicius Campos: the impact of evidence on Brazil’s education policy
• Four challenges in navigating the Mexican think tank sector, by Jessica Correa and Paula Martínez
• The promise and perils of AI in shaping tomorrow’s think tanks, policymakers and foundations, by Enrique Mendizabal

General Secretariat of the Council:Think Tank Review - February 2024

 

Library blog Friday 23 February 2024

● General Secretariat of the Council   Think Tank Review - February 2024   The future of EU enlargement in a geopolitical perspective; forecasts about the June European elections; digitalization and its impact on labour markets; a needed EU strategy on critical raw materials; the EU's defence industry in the context of a new security environment; and central bank digital currencies in strategic competition are some of the topics featured in the February Think Tank Review.

Think Tank Review - January 2024

 

Library blog Wednesday 24 January 2024

● General Secretariat of the Council   Think Tank Review - January 2024   Further discussion on European integration and enlargement ahead of the June European elections; analysis of the EU/China December 2023 summit and the question of its impact on the Europe-China relationship; comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, together with a discussion about human rights in a multi-aligned world; negotiations on the new Pact on Migration and Asylum and the opportunity to use the potential of digital technologies in asylum and migration systems; repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic on gender issues and whether the pandemic was a reset for gender equality are some of the topics discussed in the January Think Tank Review.

On Think Tanks :The small think tank trap I Job opportunity at OTT

 The latest articles, podcast and events

Dear OTT Community,

Last month I drove from Tbilisi to Yerevan. At one point, when we were a few hundred meters from the border with Azerbaijan, our host commented that we were in the “line of fire”. Whether this was a joke or not, our driver certainly hit the accelerator!

I was there to discuss the findings of the 2023 think tank state of the sector report with Open Society Foundation Georgia and the Democracy Development Centre in Armenia.

While they face many similar challenges, the Georgian think tank context is markedly harsher than the Armenian. In Georgia the space for engagement with the government appears to be closed, coupled by attempts to limit access to international funding for civil society.

I was reminded that think tanks always have to make difficult choices – everywhere. But these choices are harder in contexts characterised by weak democratic institutions and uncertainty.

The drive between these two capital cities in the Southern Caucasus also reminded me that we live in continuous spaces. Flying would have created a disconnect between Tbilisi and Yerevan. Driving reinforced the connections between both cities – and between both think tank communities.

Indeed, many of the issues discussed, in both countries, resonated with those I’ve been having with think tanks and funders in other regions too.

Read more reflections on my trip in my latest article, "Difficult choices for think tanks in the Southern Caucasus". Content you've contributed this month includes:

• Are think tanks in the Western Balkans state-captured? Irena Đorđević Šušić
• Strengthening Brazil’s democracy with digital policies: In conversation with Samara Mariana de Castro, Hub LAC
• How think tanks can thrive in uncertain times, Keith Burnet

Separately, we have extended the deadline for applications for the School for Thinktankers 2024 in Brussels until 19 December. Limited slots are available, so don't miss your chance to apply.

Finally, we are inviting think tank leaders and funders to register your interest in attending OTT Conference 2024 with Fundació Bofill in Barcelona, Spain.

Until next month, 

Enrique Mendizabal
OTT Founder & Director

 

 

 

Can small and mid-sized think tanks survive? OTT Talks to Simon Maxwell about alternative think tank models and markets.

Listen

 

 

Communications Strategist Keith Burnet outlines six practical ideas for think tanks to navigate uncertainties.

Learn more

 

 

Horizon scanning and on demand research support for 2024?

Learn more

 

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COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,THINK TANK,update

 

Library blog Tuesday 28 November 2023

● General Secretariat of the Council   Think Tank Review - November 2023   Ongoing discussions about EU treaty change; central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) as a possible future payment ecosystem; the digital euro's role as a store of value; the transition to renewables without jeopardising European energy security; a foreign policy strategy that acknowledges EU’s strategic interdependence; a possible new Middle East and related adaptations of European policies; President Biden’s visit to Israel and Gaza; and China’s developing influence in West Asia are some the issues discussed in the November Think Tank Review.

Library blog Wednesday 29 November 2023

● General Secretariat of the Council   New books added to the Council Library's collection - November 2023

Think Tank European Parliament: Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs)

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/

Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs)
Briefing 03-07-2023
Combating strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs)


On 27 June 2023, the Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) adopted its report on the proposal for a directive concerning the protection of journalists and human rights defenders from abusive civil proceedings. The Commission's proposal of 27 April 2022 came in response to a legislative initiative of Parliament. The JURI committee supports the proposal, and has put forward a number of amendments seeking to strengthen it. Once approved in plenary, the report will form the basis for trilogue negotiations with the Council, which adopted its general approach on 9 June 2023. The main changes to the Commission proposal set out in the JURI report include the introduction of a minimum harmonisation clause, expansions of the definitions of abusive court proceedings and public participation, and a wider scope for the cross border element, necessary to trigger the directive. People engaged in public participation would enjoy a right to information, legal aid, financial assistance and psychological support. There would be national registers of anti-SLAPP court decisions, and a Union-wide register run by the Commission. New rules on conflict of laws and jurisdictions would determine the courts having jurisdiction and the applicable law. Member States would be obliged to set up 'one-stop shops' composed of national networks of specialised lawyers, legal practitioners and psychologists to offer guidance, information and protection, including legal aid, financial and psychological support, to people targeted by abusive litigation. The topic of SLAPPs would have to form part of legal profession training, in order to raise awareness of abusive proceedings and the remedies available under the directive. 

Third edition. The first and second editions were written by Micaela Del Monte and Maria Díaz Crego. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Στρατηγικές αγωγές κατά της δημόσιας συμμετοχής (SLAPPs)
Ενημέρωση 03-07-2023

Καταπολέμηση στρατηγικών αγωγών κατά της δημόσιας συμμετοχής (SLAPPs)


Στις 27 Ιουνίου 2023, η Επιτροπή Νομικών Θεμάτων (JURI) ενέκρινε την έκθεσή της σχετικά με την πρόταση οδηγίας σχετικά με την προστασία των δημοσιογράφων και των υπερασπιστών των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων από καταχρηστικές αστικές διαδικασίες. 

Η πρόταση της Επιτροπής της 27ης Απριλίου 2022 ήρθε ως απάντηση σε νομοθετική πρωτοβουλία του Κοινοβουλίου. 

Η επιτροπή JURI υποστηρίζει την πρόταση και έχει υποβάλει ορισμένες τροπολογίες για την ενίσχυσή της. 

Μόλις εγκριθεί στην ολομέλεια, η έκθεση θα αποτελέσει τη βάση για τριμερείς διαπραγματεύσεις με το Συμβούλιο, το οποίο υιοθέτησε τη γενική του προσέγγιση στις 9 Ιουνίου 2023. 

Οι κύριες αλλαγές στην πρόταση της Επιτροπής που αναφέρονται στην έκθεση JURI περιλαμβάνουν την εισαγωγή μιας ρήτρας ελάχιστης εναρμόνισης, διευρύνει τους ορισμούς των καταχρηστικών δικαστικών διαδικασιών και της συμμετοχής του κοινού, καθώς και ευρύτερο πεδίο εφαρμογής για το διασυνοριακό στοιχείο, που είναι απαραίτητο για την ενεργοποίηση της οδηγίας. Τα άτομα που συμμετέχουν στη δημόσια συμμετοχή θα απολαμβάνουν δικαίωμα σε ενημέρωση, νομική βοήθεια, οικονομική βοήθεια και ψυχολογική υποστήριξη. Θα υπάρχουν εθνικά μητρώα δικαστικών αποφάσεων κατά του SLAPP και ένα μητρώο σε επίπεδο Ένωσης που θα διαχειρίζεται η Επιτροπή. Νέοι κανόνες για τη σύγκρουση νόμων και δικαιοδοσιών θα καθορίσουν τα αρμόδια δικαστήρια και το εφαρμοστέο δίκαιο. Τα κράτη μέλη θα υποχρεωθούν να δημιουργήσουν «ενιαία καταστήματα» αποτελούμενα από εθνικά δίκτυα εξειδικευμένων δικηγόρων, νομικών επαγγελματιών και ψυχολόγων για να προσφέρουν καθοδήγηση, πληροφορίες και προστασία, συμπεριλαμβανομένης της νομικής βοήθειας, της οικονομικής και ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης, σε άτομα που αποτελούν στόχο καταχρηστικών διαφορών. 

Το θέμα των SLAPPs θα πρέπει να αποτελεί μέρος της κατάρτισης του νομικού επαγγέλματος, προκειμένου να ευαισθητοποιηθεί σχετικά με τις καταχρηστικές διαδικασίες και τα ένδικα μέσα που είναι διαθέσιμα βάσει της οδηγίας. 

Τρίτη έκδοση. Η πρώτη και η δεύτερη έκδοση γράφτηκαν από τη Micaela Del Monte και τη Maria Díaz Crego. Οι ενημερώσεις για τη «Νομοθεσία της ΕΕ σε εξέλιξη» ενημερώνονται σε βασικά στάδια καθ' όλη τη διάρκεια της νομοθετικής διαδικασίας.

Think Tank reports on the invasion of Ukraine

 

Library blog Wednesday 8 November 2023

● General Secretariat of the Council   Think Tank reports on the invasion of Ukraine   EU defense cooperation with Ukraine; how Europeans can support Ukraine; why the West should help Ukraine grow its military industry; Ukraine remaining a top priority of NATO; Russia’s 2024 budget planning for a long war in Ukraine; and the impact of the war in Ukraine on the global dimension of China-MENA relations are some of the topics featured in this update.

On Think Tanks:job opportunity at OTT I Think tank state of the sector

The latest articles, podcast and events




Dear OTT Community,

This year’s think tank state of the sector report reminded me how our sector is full of contrasts. You’ll find researchers from think tanks with millions of dollars in reserves sat on a panel with those from organisations financially surviving month by month. You’ll see a think tank invest in a new website what is the entire annual budget of another. You might find a small, young think tank outperform larger, older peers because they are in the right place at the right time.

And so, while the sector might be set to grow, this is not the case across the board. For instance, while 53% of think tanks founded before 2000 plan to grow, only 13% of think tanks founded since 2000 have the same plans.

These sector inequalities should rally-us to respond with the kind of nuance that we demand from think tanks themselves. We need to pay attention to the needs of newer and smaller think tanks, as well as those led by women and other under-represented groups.

We should also be open to exploring alternative yet realistic models – even if they seemingly go against everything we believe in.

At the OTT Conference 2023, Simon Maxwell put forward an idea that I think is worth exploring. He argues that the mounting challenges facing think tanks – and the increasingly costly investments necessary to overcome them – makes it difficult to sustain more than a few adequately resourced and sustainable think tanks.

As a result, we see a few very large and well-resourced think tanks that attract most of the funding and attention, and many small and cash-strapped think tanks that barely make ends meet. This situation is worse in the Global South. Across Africa, in fact, just a handful of think tanks are in most research funders’ portfolios.

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,THINK TANK, update

 

Library blog Thursday 19 October 2023

● General Secretariat of the Council   Think Tank Review - October 2023   Preparing for the next EU enlargement and related choices ahead; reforming and enlarging the EU for the 21st century; fundamental decarbonisation through sufficiency by lifestyle changes; the European chips act in relation with Europe’s quest for semiconductor autonomy; navigating between inflation and growth and European Central Bank’s role to serve European power and strategic autonomy; explaining European Commission’s fiscal governance reform plan; the European health union readiness for the challenges of the 21st century; the role of nuclear energy in the energy transition; EU support for ammunition production in member states; the rise of China as an international mediator; and the BRICS evolution are some of the topics featured in the October Think Tank Review.

Press material Thursday 19 October 2023

● Council of the EU   19/10/2023 13:24 | Press release | Middle East: Council presidency triggers activation of the Integrated Political Crisis Response   On 17 October, EU leaders meeting in a videoconference to discuss the situation in the Middle East, identified important and urgent areas of work including humanitarian assistance, engagement with partners, domestic security issues and migration. They highlighted the importance of constant monitoring, exchange of information and coordination. In this context the Spanish Presidency has today proceeded to the activation of the Integrated Political Crisis Response (IPCR) arrangements in full mode. The IPCR monitoring function had already been activated on 16 October. The IPCR is the Council’s crisis response mechanism. It supports fast and coordinated decision-making at EU political level for major and complex crises, bringing together member states, the EU institutions, and other key partners, including relevant external actors such as the UN and third countries. The activation of the IPCR will support the constant monitoring of the situation and coordination efforts. Background The IPCR is the Council’s crisis response mechanism. In times of crisis, the presidency of the Council brings together key actors, notably from EU institutions and affected member states, to ensure coordination and address gaps. The IPCR mechanism supports the Council presidency, the Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) and the Council, by providing concrete tools to: streamline information sharing facilitate collaboration coordinate crisis response at political level The main tools include informal roundtables, analytical reports to provide decision makers with a clear picture of the current situation, and exchange of information. The IPCR was in monitoring mode since 16 October and is now activated in full mode, involving the preparation of proposals for EU action to be decided upon by the Council of the EU or the European Council. The IPCR has been activated multiple times, including for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic and the migration crisis and has tackled diverse challenges in response. How the Council coordinates the EU response to crises (background information)

Meetings Thursday 19 October 2023

● Council of the EU   19/10/2023 13:19 | MEETING | Agenda highlights - General Affairs Council, 24 October 2023   Ministers will focus on preparations for the upcoming European Council, annual rule of law dialogue, the Commission’s demography toolbox and the request by Spain regarding Catalan, Basque and Galician.