A
THINK
TANK
Deep thinking.
Dedicated to explore the full breadth of insights from leaders in business, politics, security, and technology. In many ways, a “Gallic village” of unrestrained and provocative thought. It’s a place to connect, be inspired, and even build lasting friendships.
28th
SUMMIT
SEPTEMBER
2026
Free thinking.
Chatham House Rule is observed religiously, and strong opinions and provocations are welcomed. Our formats are deliberately unconventional to encourage honest, in-depth dialogue. All 160 participants are engaged to actively shape the vibrant atmosphere of exchange and debate.
DISCUSSIONS
TRULY
OUT OF THE
BOX
Insights
The Last of its Kind
Hannibal’s elephants changed the war.
So did tanks. Powerful, impressive, impossible to ignore.
But in modern conflict, size is no longer an advantage.
Europe’s legacy systems are easy to spot, slow to deploy,
and expensive to maintain.
The war in Ukraine shows: agility, speed, and smart,
networked systems rule.
Yet we continue to invest billions in outdated platforms —
despite a growing threat from Russia.
It’s now or never! Complacency leads to extinction.
Insights
Will We Miss The Boat Again?
By Cedrik Neike, Member of the Managing
Board and CEO Digital Industries, Siemens
“I don’t think we’ve even seen the tip of
the iceberg. I think the potential of what
[it] will do to society (…) is unimaginable.
I think we’re (…) on the cusp of
something exhilarating and terrifying.”
A prediction that is both promising and
threatening.
Insights
October 7, 2023 - and Beyond
By Ehud Olmert,
Former Prime Minister Israel
The morning of Saturday, October 7th,
2023 was not supposed to be of
any special significance in the life of
Israel. It was a Jewish holiday,
celebrated in a traditional manner by
many observant Jews, and also those
more secular who do not observe
regularly Jewish tradition. It turned
out to be different than any Saturday
in the modern history of Israel.
Insights
From Ashby’s Law to High Impact Innovation
By Belén Garijo
Chair of the Executive Board & CEO
Merck
Why we need a different mindset to
take science and technology from
incremental to groundbreaking change.
Insights
What Zeitenwende?
By John Bolton
Ambassador
National security turns on two fundamental questions.
Who threatens us, and what do we do about it?
Today, the global West (a concept much
broader than mere geographic location) is having
serious trouble addressing both these basic dilemmas.
We are not divided on everything, but we are divided
on enough that our adversaries can hardly avoid seeing
the divergencies and vigorously exploiting them at will.
Insights
“It’s not a Job for me, it’s a Mission”
By Edi Rama
Prime Minister Albania
Ghida Fakhry
Journalist
In June 2024, Prime Minister
Edi Rama sat down with renowned journalist Ghida Fakhry to discuss
Albania’s path to the European Union. With a blend of
hope and determination, Rama illuminated Albania’s
western orientation and the challenges ahead.
He passionately emphasized the need for stable political institutions,
envisioning Albania’s crucial role in a changing Europe. His words painted a
picture of a nation ready to embrace its future with resilience and
ambition, eager to contribute to the broader European community.
Insights
The Next Reality – Why E-Mobility is Ready for Take Off
By Ola Källenius
CEO
Mercedes-Benz
In November 2021 the UN Climate Change Conference
took place in Glasgow. Having attended,
it was great to see that – unlike at previous
conferences – participants didn’t discuss the question
of why we need to fight climate change.
This time it was all about the how: How can we
take action? How can we accelerate the path toward zero emissions and
CO₂ neutrality?