On 5th December, the EPC hosted its annual conference, a key event that this year focused on the pressing need for strong European leadership in today’s rapidly changing political and economic landscape. Expert panellists and speakers shared innovative and thought-provoking strategies for EU and national leaders to guide Europe forward. Central themes included addressing Russia’s war in Ukraine, advancing the green transition, ensuring economic security, and shaping the future of work and artificial intelligence –critical challenges that will remain pivotal in years to come.
Our President, Brigid Laffan, opened the conference with a welcome address that emphasised the importance of strategic policymaking in the EU amidst pivotal developments in this turbulent global election year.
Moderator Jacki Davis led a keynote discussion with Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis on the future of the European Union and its leadership in these challenging times. Reflecting on the prospect of a second Trump administration, Commissioner Dombrovskis stressed the need to maintain strong bilateral relations with the US: "The United States is our strategic ally and our largest trade and investment partner. There is a lot at stake economically. In this age of geopolitical turbulence, it is important that large democracies stick with one another and work together to address threats coming from autocracies that are challenging the current world order."
The first panel discussion, focusing on the main challenges for leadership in this political cycle, featured Nathalie Tocci (Director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali), Aleksandra Tomanić (Executive Director of the European Fund for the Balkans), Loukas Tsoukalis (President of the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy), and Janis A. Emmanouilidis (Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Studies at the EPC). The discussion explored ways to navigate Europe’s most pressing issues. Aleksandra Tomanić offered a stark warning about the EU’s current trajectory:"The situation in Ukraine and the Western Balkans might become the scary future of the EU if they do not wake up to all the crisis surrounding it. Others around in Europe and beyond are awake.’’ Nathalie Tocci warned of the dangers posed by populist parties, stating: "Five European governments and counting are openly anti-European and nationalist. It is becoming a regressive agenda and it is eroding the EU from within."
The panel was followed by four breakout sessions, each exploring how today’s leaders can address the critical challenges shaping Europe’s future. Amanda Paul, EPC Senior Policy Analyst and Deputy Head of the Europe in the World programme, led a discussion on Russia’s war in Ukraine, urging the EU to intensify efforts to secure Ukraine’s victory. Stefan Šipka, Senior Policy Analyst and Head of the Sustainable Prosperity for Europe programme, explored alongside other panellists the opportunities and challenges associated with the green transition in light of EU’s evolving geopolitical landscape. Georg Riekeles, Associate Director and Head of the European Political Economy programme, moderated a session on the EU’s position in the growing US-China strategic rivalry, emphasising the need to strengthen Europe’s economic security. Finally, Elizabeth Kuiper, Associate Director and Head of the Social Europe and Well-Being programme, facilitated a discussion on the transformative impact of AI on the labour market and Europe’s critical role in shaping AI governance in the workplace.
These four discussions provided a platform for experts to share valuable insights and policy recommendations, fostering dynamic and essential exchanges.
The conference’s marketplace featured fireside chats exploring the EU leadership in defence and security, digital sovereignty, the role of sanctions and economic statecraft, Ursula Von der Leyen’s majority in Parliament, the impact of Trump’s return on climate and migration policies, and the engagement of civil society in the Western Balkans.
The second panel discussion, moderated by Jacki Davis, focused on opportunities, forecasts, and recommendations for EU leadership. Panellists included Olumide Abimbola (Executive Director for APRI), Lykke Friis (Director of Think Tank Europa), Declan Kelleher (Chair of the Governing Board at the EPC), Sara Pantuliano (Chief Executive of ODI), and Almut Möller (Director for European and Global Affairs at the EPC). Reflecting on the EU’s response to recent crises, panellist Sara Pantuliano remarked: "There are opportunities, but the EU is not taking them. The Covid-19 crisis was an indication we could not return to what was considered normal as it was not the answer anymore. This crisis required a massive shift, but we failed to take that opportunity which deepened this crisis of the EU’s legitimacy and the role of the Western order. The current crisis in Ukraine reinforces this narrative."
In the final keynote address, Commissioner Andrius Kubilius discussed the EU’s defence strategy in a volatile geopolitical environment. On Ukraine and Europe’s defence preparedness, he emphasised: "There are three important chapters we need to focus on. The first is Ukraine, and we can not fail in that regard. We need to send a clear message to Putin that he will not achieve anything in Ukraine; we need to change the narrative. The second point is European weapons and strengthening our own capabilities – we have a large gap in preparedness. The third crucial area is readiness and implementation of our military goals, which requires a significant increase in spending."
Fabian Zuleeg, EPC Chief Executive and Chief Economist, closed the conference with a powerful call to action: "Simply put, it is not just European integration that is on the line; it is a fundamental, even existential, challenge that threatens our prosperity, sustainability, security, and peace, and ultimately democracy. We need to face what is coming and decide how we will survive these threats. It is not a time for despair; it is a time for action. At the EPC, we are fully committed to addressing these challenges and fighting for what we believe is important."
This year’s conference offered a thorough exploration of the challenges and opportunities facing Europe in this new political cycle – from global leadership and economic security to the green transition and the future of work. The discussions reflected a strong commitment to tackle these pressing issues shaping Europe’s future and navigating the polycrisis unfolding both across the continent and globally.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our distinguished speakers, moderators, colleagues, and participants for making this conference such a significant and bold initiative. As we continue our work on these critical issues, we look forward to welcoming you again at the 2025 edition!
You can find the full programme here