November 14th

Building Europe's Future: Time for Strategic Choices

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    Welcome  and introductory remarks

      • Stephen Quest, Chair of ESPAS and Director-General, Joint Research Centre, European Commission

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    Opening session

    Keynote addresses followed by discussion

      • Maroš Šefčovič, Executive Vice-President for the Green Deal, Inter-institutional Relations and Foresight, European Commission

      • Marc Angel, MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament with responsibility for ESPAS

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    What will power look like in 2040? Fragmentation and power shifts

    This session aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the evolving landscape of global power dynamics. The session will delve into the anticipated fragmentation and power shifts that are expected to shape geopolitical power structures by the year 2040. The session will explore the evolving dynamics between the United States and China and their implications for the global order. As these two economic and political powerhouses continue to influence the international landscape, the European Union faces a critical question: How should it position itself to navigate effectively this changing geopolitical landscape? Will it project its own power in new ways at the global level?  The session will explore the strategic options available to the EU. 

      • Radosław Sikorski, MEP, Chair, European Parliament Delegation for relations with the United States; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Poland

      • Constanze Stelzenmüller, Director, Center on the United States and Europe, Brookings Institution

      • Mikko Huotari, Executive Director, Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS)

    • Moderator

      • Shada Islam, Director, New Horizons Project; Fellow at the Vrije University Brussels; Visiting Professor, College of Europe

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    COFFEE BREAK

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    Globalisation and deglobalisation: the future of economic power

    After several decades of increasing global economic integration, the world is teetering on the brink of geo-economic fragmentation.  This is happening against the backdrop of increasing trade tensions between the United States and China, and more generally a rise in populism and greater scepticism about the benefits of globalisation. Notably, these trends predated the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, events that have further tested international relations. Geopolitical rivalries have fuelled greater protectionism and the increasing use of cross-border restrictions on national security grounds. Fragmentation leads also to lower economic efficiency for the EU. This session will discuss the strategic choices for the EU in this fast-changing economic landscape.

      • Kasumasa Iwata, President of the Japan Center for Economic Research; former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Japan

      • Jean Pisani-Ferry, Senior Fellow at Bruegel; Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute (Washington DC)

    • Moderator

      • Kim Jørgensen, Director General and EIB Permanent Representative to the EU Institutions in Brussels

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    LUNCH

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    Keynote discussion with leading technology figure

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    The global tech race: Can Europe step up?

    The rapid advance of emerging disruptive technologies such as AI and machine learning, biotechnologies and quantum computing presents both unprecedented opportunities and challenges for the European Union in its pursuit of strategic autonomy. As these technologies reshape industries, security landscapes, and societal norms, the EU faces a critical question: How can it harness these advancements to bolster its strategic autonomy without compromising its values and security? The session will explore the potential benefits, risks, and policy considerations for the EU in its pursuit of technological sovereignty in a highly competitive environment.

      • Nuria Oliver, Co-founder and Vice-President of the ELLIS Alicante Foundation; Chief Scientific Advisor at the Vodafone Institute

      • Nathalie Moll, Director General of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA)

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    Can the fight against climate change be fair?

    Climate change is a global challenge that affects all aspects of society, most importantly vulnerable communities and countries as well as future generations. As we work towards mitigating its impacts and transitioning to a sustainable future, how do we build in the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of fairness? This session aims to explore the concept of a "just transition" and its significance in addressing climate change. 

      • Valérie Trouet, Scientific Director, Belgian Climate Centre

      • Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Director European program – EU Climate Investments, cleantech at the Institute for climate economics I4CE

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    COFFEE BREAK

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    People power: how to roll back authoritarianism and win back trust?

    Statistics do not always lie.  The decline of democracy across the globe is well documented and a reality for millions of citizens. The rise in authoritarianism is a phenomenon that we must confront if freedom and liberty are to prevail. Threats from authoritarian regimes using the power of technology to undermine democratic norms and values and attempts to control multilateral institutions are happening now. Governments across the world are struggling to maintain trust in institutions and the ability of the state to improve their lives. In this session, we will explore the threats to democracy, increasing mistrust in government and institutions, and generate new ideas on how we can reverse the tide. 

      • Kalypso Nicolaïdis, Chair in Global Affairs at the School of Transnational Governance, European University Institute (EUI)

      • Ivan Krastev, Chair, Centre for Liberal Strategies, Bulgaria

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    Key takeaways from the conference

    • Members of the ESPAS Young Talent Network (YTN)

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    Conclusions and close