Registrations will open soon. Roundtables by invitation only.
The European Policy Centre (EPC) is pleased to announce the inaugural Brussels Economic Security Forum (BESF), taking place on 5-6 June 2025.
This Forum is a response to the unprecedented global policy shifts we are currently witnessing. Its purpose is to serve as a unique high-level platform for conceptualizing ways to salvage international economic collaboration and free trade while ensuring countries can properly look after their economic security. Through the notions of open economic security and collaborative interdependence, the Forum aims to identify tangible international steps towards reduced risks and vulnerabilities.
This inaugural edition will bring together leading international policymakers, business representatives and experts from around the world. It will feature a public conference on June 5, followed by invitation-only roundtables on June 6 for deeper strategic discussions in a closed-door setting.
Over the past years, the EPC has been at the forefront of discussions on economic security in Europe, hosting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for her seminal speech on EU-China relations in March 2023, and leading the debate on this crucial topic through our flagship Economic Security project.
PROGRAMME
*Please note that the title and topics of the roundtables are provisional and may be adjusted.
JUNE 5 (DAY 1) – PUBLIC CONFERENCE
- Opening session: The age of economic statecraft
- Second session: International trade: Reinventing a level-playing field in the age of economic security
- Fireside Chat: Preparing for all contingencies
- Third session: Securing foundations of growth: Technology as the driver of geopolitics
- Closing session: Multipolarity re-examined: Forging new East-West-South ties
JUNE 6 (DAY 2) – THEMATIC DISCUSSIONS
- Open Session: How EU enlargement and neighbouring countries can strengthen Europe’s economic resilience
- Roundtable 1: Leading by example: EU-Japan partnership for global economic security
- Roundtable 2: Securing critical infrastructure in an age of new threats
- Roundtable 3: The management and coordination of international sanctions
- Roundtable 4: Relations with China in the age of economic security
- Roundtable 5: Future-proofing food security
Participation is open to EPC members and invited guests, EU and international officials and the media