European Policy Prize (EPP)

Last year marked the United Nations’ 80th anniversary and the launch of the UN80 Initiative, a system-wide reform effort meant to modernize its structures, priorities and operations for the 21st century. As the world enters a new era of great power competition and increasing conflict, challenges to the rules-based international order have moved the question of UN reform from a long-term aspiration to an immediate political priority.

These ongoing reform efforts are unfolding amid a persistent liquidity crisis and deep political divisions among Member States, raising concerns about whether reform will strengthen multilateralism, or risk undermining its core mandates, particularly in the field of human rights.

In this context, the European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism based on international law, the universality of human rights, and the interdependence of peace, development, and security. As a key political, financial, and normative actor within the UN system, the EU faces a critical test: how to translate its principles into influence and leadership in shaping the future of UN reform.

In light of these challenges, we are proud to announce this year’s competition theme: The UN80 Initiative and the Future of Multilateralism: A European Perspective.

The European Student Think Tank (EST) invites students and recent graduates to submit policy papers that critically assess the EU’s role in UN reform and propose actionable recommendations for ensuring that reform efforts reinforce, rather than weaken, an effective and legitimate multilateral system.

Participants are invited to submit a policy paper addressing ONE of the following questions:

  1. How might the UN80 reform agenda, which prioritises efficiency and responsiveness, affect the legitimacy and human rights mandate of the UN? Propose one or two concrete actions the European Union could take to help balance efficiency with legitimacy and ensure that human rights are protected.
  2. The European Union seeks to support UN reform, but some states aim to weaken human rights, peace, or development mandates. How can the EU build and sustain cross-regional coalitions to advance meaningful reform while protecting the UN’s core missions? Identify practical strategies the EU could use from alliance-building, institutional leverage, or diplomatic innovation.
  3. Can the UN be meaningfully reformed during a financial crisis, or does the current misalignment between funding, mandates, and political majorities make reform structurally impossible? What are the main challenges the EU faces in promoting reform, and how can it navigate these constraints to strengthen multilateralism? Suggest realistic, actionable strategies the EU could adopt to ensure reforms are both politically feasible and effective.

Submissions should present clear policy analysis, evidence-based recommendations, and demonstrate an understanding of EU external action, UN institutional processes, and contemporary geopolitical dynamics.

All submissions will be assessed by judges who are experts in the field of this year’s topic, with support from the EST Editorial Office.
The names of the judges will be announced later during the submission process. Stay tuned throughout March to discover the final panel.

Prizes

First Prize:

  • Publication of the winning paper in The European Policy Review, European Student Think Tank’s peer-reviewed journal.
  • A free copy of a book chosen by one of the judges.
  • Invitation to present the paper at an EST-organized showcase event, followed by a discussion with members.

Second and Third Prize:

  • Invitation for all three finalists to participate in a special podcast episode, debating their policy ideas.
  • A special Recognition Post on EST’s webpage and Linkedin.
  • A certificate of achievement recognising your contribution and engagement in the competition.

How to partecipate

Applicants are requested to send an email to editorialprize@esthinktank.com with the subject EPP 2026 – SURNAME, NAME before the deadline for submission.

The email must include:

  • The applicant’s full name and a brief presentation. It will be used for the publication of the winning entry on the website (maximum 120 words).
  • The essay in PDF format, prepared in accordance with the “essay requirements”.

Essay Requirements:

  • Abstract: 200 words maximum, along with 5 keywords.
  • Content: The policy paper should provide a clear and concise analysis of the issue, evaluate potential policy options, and offer actionable recommendations. Strong submissions will be well-researched, innovative, and propose feasible solutions grounded in the current political, economic, and social realities of the UN and EU.
  • Length: 2,000–2,500 words
  • Language: English
  • Style: APA 7 citation style

Timeline:

  • March 22nd 23:59 CET (Sunday): Deadline for submission
  • May: Announcement of winners

We wish you the very best of luck, and look forward to reading your submissions!