ART Research papers
Latest ART publications
Weaponised suspicion: how conspiracy theories fuel modern disinformation
Falsehoods have always circulated in society, but the speed, scale and political utility of conspiracy theories today are unprecedented. Drawing on a wide range of academic, policy and intelligence sources, this paper examines the drivers, context and impact of conspiratorial narratives and their growing role in modern disinformation.
Prospects for 2026 – what others are saying
This publication complements the Forward Look 2026 by bringing together key global trends identified by external experts.
Drawing on 35 outlook reports from diverse international sources, it explores developments across society, technology, economy, environment, and (geo-)politics, and highlights the ten conflicts expected to shape 2026.
Forward Look 2026 – Playing by new rules?
The ‘rules of the game’ are changing: from global power dynamics and economic fragilities to destabilising societal pressures, from conflict and hybrid threats to competitiveness and climate change, established assumptions are being challenged and called into question. The ‘Forward Look 2026’ explores the evolution of this landscape in the year ahead, and how the EU may need to adapt to – and contribute to shaping – a new playbook.
Bridging Water Extremes - Can floods alleviate droughts?
Floods and droughts are reshaping the EU’s water future.
As water moves up the strategic agenda, managing extremes is becoming a defining challenge.
Our latest ART paper explores how these risks can be addressed together - and where ambition meets practical limits.
Previous ART publications
- Organised crime: A growing threat to democracy
- One roof, many realities: Europe's complex housing crisis
- ESPAS Foresight Paper - What future for democracy in Europe?
- From screens to fields: how digitalisation is transforming agriculture
- Space: the new battleground of modern warfare
- Prospects for 2025 - What others are saying
- Forward look 2025 - Time for Leadership
- From vision to reality Promises and risks of Brain-Computer Interfaces
- Green transition: navigating social challenges for a sustainable future
- Harnessing Wind Power: Navigating the EU energy transition and its challenges
- Prospects for 2024
The Council's Analysis and Research Team publishes papers on a wide range of subjects. These include:
- the implications for the EU of current geopolitical developments
- as well as longer-term trends such as the green and digital transitions, demographic change, and the challenges of sustainable growth.
Some of the publications draw attention to issues which are relatively unfamiliar to most readers.
The team also produces some foresight papers, including the 'Forward Look'. This paper, which is published each January, is the result of an annual reflection on the events and trends that are likely to affect the work of the Council and European Council during the coming year.
Why not check out some of our existing papers, and subscribe to our future publications through our email alerts?
About the Analysis and Research Team
The Analysis and Research Team is part of the General Secretariat of the Council and was set up in 2020. It produces a wide range of papers and research publications on issues of relevance to the Council and European Council. Where possible, these papers are made publicly available here on the Council website.
ART also organises talks and workshops for colleagues in the Council Secretariat as part of its objective of encouraging wider policy reflection and the use of strategic foresight. It is a small but dedicated team which works on issues of relevance to both the Council and European Council, but which go beyond their day-to-day work. Its work:
- encourages the exchange of new ideas
- brings fresh thinking to policy discussions
- questions established ideas when appropriate
- draws on the technique of foresight to help identify key trends and challenges as part of informing policy and strategic planning
To support its work, the team maintains contacts with think tanks and academia, as well as with colleagues doing similar work in other EU institutions and EU member states. It also plays an important role in supporting the inter-institutional European Strategy and Policy Analysis System which helps strengthen the EU's collective capacity to conduct research and foresight.
Developments both within the EU and globally show that our ability to understand and look ahead has become more important than ever. ART is leading the way in helping the Council and European Council in their decision-making and long-term planning.