Wed. 20
November
2024
Welcoming Words
Opening Interview with Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium
Opening Remarks - Economic Reforms and EU Enlargement: Synergies for Sustainable Growth
Two decades after the EU’s largest enlargement, the process of welcoming new members remains central to European integration, with nine countries currently in formal negotiations to join. As European institutions push to accelerate this process, enlargement offers opportunities to strengthen democratic values, peace, and stability across the continent. However, it also brings challenges that require careful planning, especially in today’s rapidly changing geopolitical and economic landscape.
For enlargement to be sustainable, candidate countries must adopt key economic and governance reforms to meet EU standards, fostering long-term growth and resilience. By aligning economic reforms with the enlargement process, the EU can not only integrate new members effectively but also promote shared, sustainable prosperity and stability for the entire region.
Relaunching European Competitiveness through the Green Transition
To enhance competitiveness, promote innovation, generate high-quality jobs, and support leading companies, the continent must embrace a transition to cleaner technologies through an ambitious Green Industrial Policy. Integration of energy systems, addressing the Energy Trilemma of sustainability, affordability, and security of supply, and advancing the storage of energy are crucial components of this transition. As global powers such as the US and China advance their industrial strategies and investment plans, the EU seeks an effective approach that not only responds to these initiatives but also ensures the economic success of the Green Deal.
Fireside Chat: Unleashing Europe’s Competitive Edge in the Age of AI and Investment
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and shifting global dynamics, there is a growing recognition of the need for a coordinated approach to enhance competitiveness across key sectors, such as technology and energy. Significant opportunities exist for Europe to capitalize on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), which can drive productivity and economic growth. However, high energy costs, talent shortages, and regulatory uncertainties present significant barriers to investment and to the journey toward greater competitiveness. The interview will critically evaluate how recent policy changes, including the IRA and the Chips Act, can transform the investment landscape, providing a unique opportunity for Europe to reassess its regulatory frameworks and cultivate an environment conducive to innovation and business growth.
Coffee Break
ReFuel EU Aviation: SAF Progress Towards Net-Zero
As the European Union (EU) advances its commitment to combatting climate change, the aviation sector stands as a critical focal point for sustainable transformation. SAF is a cornerstone of the industry's decarbonisation efforts, and it underscores the urgency of implementing practical strategies to accelerate SAF adoption across the EU, including mechanisms such as Book and Claim. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and investment, this initiative seeks to overcome existing challenges and propel the EU aviation industry towards a greener and more sustainable future.
Fireside Chat: Green Molecules to foster Europe's Industrial Competitiveness
The global energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation as the world moves towards a more sustainable and low-carbon future. Traditional oil and gas companies are now facing increasing pressure to adapt to the growing demand for cleaner energy solutions. As companies like MOEVE navigate this transition, they are confronted with both challenges and opportunities, from the need for supportive policies to the competition in the global market. This interview will explore how the company is balancing its legacy as an oil and gas giant with its ambitions to become a leader in the green energy revolution. It will also highlight the broader implications of this transition for the energy landscape, with a focus on the role of innovation, geography, and global competitiveness in shaping the future of energy.
Fireside Chat: Fostering Collaboration for an Accelerated Energy Transition in the EU
The transition to a sustainable energy future within the EU is not merely a necessity but a collective responsibility that requires robust collaboration between policymakers and the private sector. An example of a critical challenge within this transition is the electrification of road freight, which is vital for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the existing infrastructure is insufficient to support this shift.
Likewise, access to green electricity represents another significant hurdle for the EU: while renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind turbines offer substantial potential, the slow pace of planning approvals severely restricts rapid deployment. To address this issue, it is imperative for companies and the EU to collaborate closely in streamlining regulatory processes, thereby ensuring that innovative technologies, such as small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), can be integrated into the energy mix without unnecessary delays. By fostering a cohesive partnership that emphasizes infrastructure development, regulatory efficiency, and data transparency, the EU can effectively meet its climate objectives and ensure energy security in an increasingly dynamic global environment.
Fireside Chat: AI Regulations: a Threat or a Way to Innovation?
The EU AI Act, based on principles such as transparency and human-centricity, faces the crucial task of responsible implementation to develop various instruments, from documentation templates to harmonised standards, without constraining innovation. Globally, the EU aims to replicate the success of GDPR by positioning the AI Act as a leader in AI regulation, fostering innovation, market contestability, and protecting fundamental rights. Moreover, while the AI Act introduces a spectrum of implementing measures like codes of conduct and conformity assessments, lessons from previous EU legislation, such as incomplete implementation, must be heeded to prioritise effectively and avoid oversights.
AI Regulations: a Threat or a Way to Innovation?
The EU AI Act, based on principles such as transparency and human-centricity, faces the crucial task of responsible implementation to develop various instruments, from documentation templates to harmonised standards, without constraining innovation. Globally, the EU aims to replicate the success of GDPR by positioning the AI Act as a leader in AI regulation, fostering innovation, market contestability, and protecting fundamental rights. Moreover, while the AI Act introduces a spectrum of implementing measures like codes of conduct and conformity assessments, lessons from previous EU legislation, such as incomplete implementation, must be heeded to prioritise effectively and avoid oversights.
Special MEP LUNCH (Members only)
REWATER EU: How to Accelerate EU Competitiveness Through Water
In response to pressing water management challenges in the European Union (EU), a comprehensive strategy is needed to ensure sustainable practices and bolster competitiveness. Effective implementation of existing directives, particularly the Water Framework Directive, is key to achieving water sustainability goals. Therefore, proactive measures are required to address the emerging water crisis, including resilience-building and innovation to mitigate scarcity and deterioration. Moreover, the development of innovative financial instruments is essential to mobilise both public and private investment in water infrastructure and conservation projects. By integrating these efforts, the EU can accelerate its competitiveness by promoting sustainable water management practices, safeguarding resources, and fostering economic growth while ensuring the well-being of its citizens.
Fireside Chat: A Competitive and Resilient European Union
The European Union stands at a pivotal moment in securing its competitiveness and resilience, advancements in technology, the rise of AI, and shifting geopolitical dynamics pose both challenges and opportunities. This discussion will explore how the EU can enhance its global economic position, focusing on fostering innovation, supporting SMEs, and embedding advanced technologies like AI. It will also examine whether the EU’s workforce is ready for new economic sectors and the steps needed to close skill gaps.
Can the Digital Transition Foster Innovation, Sustainability, and Competitiveness?
As the EU advances towards its digital future, it becomes imperative to fully leverage the potential of emerging digital technologies while ensuring effective support and guidance for the extensive capabilities of AI in scientific and innovation pursuits.
This panel aims to identify pathways that enable cohesive digital transformation while nurturing an innovation-driven culture. By fostering collaboration between various stakeholders—including agencies such as the European Innovation Council, digital startups, and established enterprises—we can chart a sustainable course towards a thriving Digital Single Market that reflects the EU's commitment to sustainable growth, technological advancement, especially in AI, and enhanced competitiveness and effective steering on the global stage.
Fireside Chat: AI and the future of manufacturing
How are the EU Strategic Partnerships Shaping Global Connectivity?
Through proactive engagement and strategic partnerships, the EU has positioned itself as a global leader in fostering international cooperation and sustainable growth. By building strong relationships with key global partners such as the United States, China, and emerging economies, the EU aims to bolster its economic resilience while contributing to global stability. The EU’s influence is also expanding through initiatives the Global Gateway Strategy, that strengthens global connectivity in vital sectors like digital, energy, and transportation, with an emphasis on sustainable investments. The EU recognizes the importance of revitalizing trade and related infrastructure investments to help integrate partner economies into global value chains. These efforts not only strengthen the EU’s position on the global stage, but also address critical global challenges through cooperation and strategic alliances.
This panel will explore how the EU is enhancing its external relations across the globe and leveraging international partnerships to drive growth, foster innovation, and uphold high social, environmental, and competitive standards. A particular focus will be on Africa, as strengthening EU-Africa trade ties holds immense potential for boosting Africa’s economy by attracting investments in vital sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and renewable energy. However, certain challenges, such as regulatory frameworks and market access, remain and require strategic action to fully unlock the potential of this relationship.
Coffee Break
Fireside Chat: Policy and Progress in the Digital Era
As we navigate the evolving landscape of transformative technology through the promise of AI, Europe stands at a pivotal moment. Drawing on its rich history as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and its legacy of impactful inventions, Europe has the chance to harness new materials and energy sources to drive forward technological advances that impact lives globally.
This fireside chat will explore how Europe can foster an environment that fuels innovation, advances industry and society, and encourages skills development, collaboration, and creation. The discussion will highlight the importance of digital policies that not only boost business productivity and deliver smarter public services but also ensure the security and connectivity of its nations and critical infrastructure. The EU has an incredible opportunity to create and scale technologies focus on encouraging world-leading innovation, including the research and development of advanced technologies such as semiconductors, AI, quantum networking, and quantum cryptography.
Fireside Chat: The Future of Ukraine
Supporting Ukraine's Future: Boosting Business Cooperation
More than two years into the war, the EU continues to stand firmly beside Ukraine. Following up on the successful first edition of the Ukraine’s Future Summit, it is essential to further explore and enhance the central themes that emerged during our discussions. European business communities have been identified as pivotal actors in driving forward Ukraine’s reconstruction, integrating innovative solutions and investments. The importance of building strategic partnership is underscored, highlighting the crucial role of smaller and local businesses in efficiently utilizing resources and expertise for Ukraine’s recovery. The aim of this panel discussion is to spark conversations on reimagining a future Ukraine, with a focus on innovation and modernization. The objective is to enable the Ukrainian industry to develop even more as the European Union's enlargement process towards Ukraine sets off.
Are EU Tech Regulations a Threat to Global Growth and Innovation?
As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, so too do the regulatory frameworks that govern it. The European Union (EU) is the key player in shaping global tech regulations, particularly through controversial initiatives such as the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the Digital Services Act (DSA) as well as Antitrust reform. Transatlantic investments are crucial for nurturing technological growth, innovation and facilitating the exchange of ideas and resources between the EU and USA. This panel will discuss the current regulatory landscape, the implications of the DMA, DSA to European growth and to the trade relationship with the United States. By engaging policymakers, industry leaders, and academics, we aim to identify challenges and opportunities in the transatlantic tech landscape, fostering collaboration for a more competitive and innovative digital future.
A Roadmap for a Resilient and Prosperous Europe: Supporting Small Businesses in the Twin Transition
In an era defined by rapid change, the growth and resilience of Europe’s micro and small enterprises are more critical than ever to the health and prosperity of the wider economy. Small businesses are the backbone of Europe’s economy, and their success reflects the strength and adaptability of our societies. Mastercard recognizes the crucial role these enterprises play in driving innovation, job creation, and inclusive growth. This session will explore how Europe’s small businesses can leverage opportunities for growth, job creation, and upskilling amidst the digital and green transitions. It will examine the challenges these businesses face, including the digital divide, access to finance, and compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. The panel will highlight innovative solutions and tools designed to help small enterprises adapt to the digital economy, operate sustainably, and respond effectively to evolving consumer and regulatory demands.
Closing Statements and Cocktail Reception
Thu. 21
November
2024
Welcoming Words
Opening Remarks - Empowering Europe's Business in the Digital Age
As Europe undergoes its digital transformation, reducing burdens on businesses while embracing digital sovereignty and innovation is essential to Europe's independence. By developing secure, homegrown infrastructures and reducing reliance on foreign technologies, Europe can protect its autonomy and promote innovation across sectors. As digital ecosystems grow, a solid foundation will enable Europe to take a leading role on the global stage.
By supporting cutting-edge ideas such as AI and expanding digital services, Europe can create new opportunities. This session will examine how streamlined regulations can empower businesses to succeed in a rapidly changing digital economy, while ensuring consumer protection and fostering growth. Therefore, embracing open strategic autonomy—enhancing Europe's digital capabilities while staying engaged in global trade—will position Europe as a competitive, innovative, and sovereign global leader.
Fireside Chat: Strengthening the Rule of Law for a Competitive and Fair EU
As the EU strives to enhance its global competitiveness, recent reports, including the Draghi and Letta Reports, underscore the pressing need for a more integrated single market. At the heart of this integration lies the Rule of Law, which is essential for ensuring a fair, stable, and competitive environment. Strong legal frameworks are particularly crucial in dynamic sectors like eCommerce, where issues such as sustainability, consumer protection, and fair business practices increasingly require robust regulatory oversight.
The conversation will also explore forward-thinking initiatives, such as the European Business Code, designed to simplify cross-border compliance, and the expanding role of digital justice in protecting consumer rights. Ultimately, the discussion will offer valuable insights into how the EU can foster a thriving, competitive economy while ensuring innovation and safeguarding consumer interests.
Towards Data-Driven Government
Governments are part of a global shift towards artificial intelligence – but most have not yet done the groundwork necessary for success. They have yet to build the large-scale, high-quality datasets that are the foundation for AI. The data they do have remains an underexploited asset. And accountability for exploiting the data is fragmented, if it has been assigned at all. Poor data, and a lack of data sharing across government limit the effectiveness of decision-making. Worse, this creates failure demand in systems that are already short of resources. National and international legislation is pushing government institutions to make better use of data to improve citizen services, operations and outcomes for us all. Along with automation and AI, this will be increasingly important in a world where budgets, people and skills are limited. So, what does it take for governments to become “data ready” – and thereby able to harness the technological dividend of recent advances in analytics, AI and process automation to fulfil their missions and policy goals?
Europe's Green and Clean Transition: Investments as the Key to Implementation?
As Europe advances toward its ambitious climate and energy goals, the need for substantial investments becomes critical. Achieving a successful green transition requires not only the mobilisation of public and private resources but also strategic market integration and collaboration. The European Clean Industry Deal, with its focus on decarbonising industry and fostering energy innovation, is a key driver. The challenge lies in how investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean technologies can accelerate Europe’s path to climate neutrality. Financial tools like green bonds and sustainable investment funds are essential in supporting this transition, ensuring fairness and inclusivity across all sectors. Integrating diverse energy sources and advanced digital solutions will be pivotal in achieving a competitive and resilient European industrial base.
Coffee Break
AI Opportunity for Europe: Working Together to Build AI for Everyone
This panel discussion examines the economic opportunities AI presents for the EU, particularly in light of the recent Draghi report on competitiveness. Experts from think tanks, civil society, and academia will discuss how to promote AI innovation and adoption while fostering an inclusive AI landscape that benefits all, including underserved communities, women, people with disabilities, migrant workers, and displaced people. The panel will showcase practical applications of AI across diverse sectors – from creative industries and tourism to pharmaceuticals and public administration – and explore how strategic AI adoption can boost European living standards, productivity, and competitiveness.
Networking Lunch
Green Financing and Industrial Transformation: The Path Ahead for Europe
The more the EU is committed to achieve its ambitious targets in terms of green transition, the greater is the need for investments and market integration. The key priority now is on how European industrial policy and financial markets can work together to drive decarbonization, emphasizing regulatory frameworks that support innovative financial instruments like green bonds, carbon markets, and sustainable investment funds. It will also explore the role of capital markets in meeting the objectives of the European Clean Industry Deal and how digital innovations such as AI, blockchain, and fintech solutions can enhance green financing. The discussion will highlight how industries can leverage Next Generation EU funding and public-private partnerships to integrate clean technologies while maintaining competitiveness, providing case studies that showcase how the financial and industrial sectors must evolve to meet Europe’s climate neutrality goals.
The Future of Agriculture: Balancing Sustainability, Succession, and Global Trade
Amidst agricultural protests underscoring the conflict between sustainability objectives and the livelihoods of small-scale farmers, it is crucial to focus on sustainable intensification, agroecology, Farm to Fork strategies, and closed-loop farming as routes to environmental resilience. With 45% of farmers expected to retire by 2026, there is a critical need for policies that support farm succession and attract new farmers. This discussion will aim to foster connections and facilitate discussions to address these challenges and promote a sustainable agricultural future.
Innovative Solutions: Leading the Change in Chemical Sustainability
As the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges, the EU has a unique opportunity to lead by integrating chemical sustainability into its broader geopolitical and competition strategy. By supporting countries and businesses in implementing multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) and promoting sound chemical and waste management throughout the supply chain, the EU can position itself as a global leader in sustainable practices. Achieving technology neutrality within these frameworks ensures that innovations and solutions are chosen based on merit, effectiveness, and environmental impact rather than technological biases. Effective strategies and collaborative initiatives must consider how these elements intersect with international standards set by MEAs, national policies, corporate responsibilities, and the global cooperation necessary to tackle shared challenges and seize opportunities for sustainable development worldwide.
Coffee Break
Harmonisation of Tax Rules: Unlocking the Full Potential of the EU
The full potential of the EU hinges on coherent, forward-looking common rules and standards. These are essential for stimulating investment, boosting competition, and ensuring the smooth movement of goods and production factors across the Union. To prevent trade distortions and reduce administrative burdens, the EU has established harmonized fiscal rules for excisable goods promoting economic integration and resource efficiency. However, these product-specific rules must be continuously updated to keep pace with market changes as clear, uniform policies are vital for capturing the dynamics of the Single Market while protecting the EU economy from external disruptions. A harmonized treatment of excisable goods ensures clarity and predictability for investors, safeguarding existing investments, securing jobs, and encouraging technological innovation. An absence of this harmonization and the presence of outdated directives focusing of excisable goods could be detrimental to the attraction of FDIs and to the good functioning of the EU.
Fireside Chat: Catalonia and the Role of Regions in Boosting European Economy and Competitiveness
Europe's Industry at a Crossroad - How to Reduce the Cost of the Energy Transition?
Ensuring access to abundant, affordable, and clean energy is fundamental to the success of the clean energy transition. Many emerging clean technologies, as well as industrial decarbonisation, are illusive without it. This goal hinges on modernised infrastructure, with an upgraded power grid playing a critical role. To achieve this, several key strategies must be prioritised. First of all accelerating permits and licenses to speed up the deployment of renewables and cleantech solutions and expanding grid infrastructure by accelerating the deployment of interconnectors. Finally, increasing EU funding and establishing governance for a genuine Energy Union to centrally manage cross-border energy projects and ensure market integration will be crucial. The panel discussion will focus on exploring challenges that need to be addressed, and the actions need it to ensure that these objectives are implemented.
Fireside Chat: EU-China Economic Relations
In a rapidly evolving global landscape, the relationship between the EU and China remains pivotal to addressing shared economic challenges and opportunities. Since China’s opening to the world in the 1980s, its economic development has sparked interest and dialogue in Europe about reform, global engagement, and mutual growth. Today, geopolitical shifts, including changes in U.S. policies and China’s close ties with Russia, add layers of complexity to EU-China relations, making open dialogue essential.
As trade dynamics evolve, both sides face questions about the future of investment and trade, particularly around sectors like electric vehicles, where interests sometimes diverge. In a multipolar world, where the Global South and alliances like BRICS are gaining influence, this discussion will provide insights on how the EU and China might shape a collaborative path forward, reflecting a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected.
Defence Industrial Strategy: what’s ahead for Europe?
In March 2024, the European Union introduced its first European Defence Industrial Strategy, urging member states to invest “more, better, together, and European” in procuring military capabilities. This milestone marks a significant shift, catalyzing the European defence industry's capacity to nearly double within ten months, strengthening Europe’s defence and reinforcing its role in transatlantic security efforts. The strategy underscores the importance of reducing Europe’s technological and manufacturing dependencies, thereby fortifying its defence industrial base as a cornerstone of EU security. A core component of this strategic vision is enhancing interoperability and readiness across EU forces, addressing longstanding issues of fragmentation, duplication, and the need for a common EU defence fund. Nonetheless, transatlantic defence industrial cooperation remains crucial, serving as a foundation for effective deterrence and collective defence. By integrating defence industries, enhanced capabilities can be leveraged, boosting interoperability and preparedness among allies. Moreover, such collaboration is integral to maintaining technological advantage and operational readiness. A strong defence industry underpins Europe’s technological edge, allowing the EU and NATO to contribute robustly to collective defence posture. For Europe, synchronized investments in defence technology and equipment reinforce its commitment to transatlantic burden-sharing, making Europe a proactive partner.
Closing Statements and Networking Drinks