The morning session introduces us to perspectives on how Europe is challenged, through different lenses across foreign affairs, political science research, think tank advocacy, and the business world – all perspectives seen in the context of the geopolitical shifts that reshape Europe’s future.
This session helps us understand which challenges Europe faces in the light of a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. A former diplomat shares insights across different geographies with geopolitical significance. How is Europe’s current development and future trajectory seen from within Europe and from abroad? What is Europe’s place in the world in the year 2026?
Building on the opening session with Friis Arne Pedersen, the fireside chat shifts the focus more inward, exploring how the EU understands its own challenges and resilience while still taking into account external circumstances and broader geopolitical situation. The discussion will explore Europe’s capacity to respond to geopolitical pressure, technological disruption, and global competition – drawing on Mario Draghi’s call to close the innovation gap and strengthen Europe’s industrial and technological base. Key questions will include:
What is the EU’s assessment of its strategic position, and what does European resilience mean in practice?
What are the implications for member states as Europe moves toward greater strategic autonomy?
How can businesses— particularly Danish ones – navigate this evolving landscape?
This session connects Europe’s external pressures with its internal choices – and what will determine Europe’s ability to shape its future.
Panelists:
Option: Meet the Expert Lunches
In the parallel sessions, more sector-specific perspectives on resilience have been discussed. In the afternoon session, we will hear perspectives from across the ecosystem: from researchers, companies, union representatives, business associations, and policy-makers on both ideas and concrete actions needed to strengthen Europe in the future.
This closing panel will build on Francis Fukuyama’s keynote and bring together insights from the day’s parallel sessions to explore what resilience means for Europe today. With a forwardlooking and solutionoriented focus, panelists will examine how Europe can strengthen its capacity to respond to global shifts, technological change, and democratic challenges. Key questions include:
How do we build the capacity and impact needed for a resilient European future in an era of geopolitical uncertainty?
What does globalisation look like today—and tomorrow—and how will shifting global dynamics shape citizens, democracies, and economic development?
How can different sectors best translate knowledge into impact and support the development of societal resilience?
This final session will synthesise insights from the day and point toward actionable pathways forward for a more resilient, innovative, and democratic Europe.
Panelists: