The ninth Europe Forum, on 26–28 August 2026 in Turku, will once again bring together decision-makers, experts, young people and representatives of civil society to discuss the direction of Europe at a time when security, the economy and democracy are undergoing significant change.
Current topics and inspiring speakers
The theme of this year’s forum is “Values, innovation and security as the foundation of the EU’s success.”
Over the course of three days, the program will feature 40 sessions and more than 150 speakers, exploring Europe’s future from perspectives such as competitiveness, the green transition, security and innovation.
The Forum offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from decision-makers and experts about the direction of Europe, and to actively engage in the discussion on Europe’s future.
Confirmed speakers include:
Prime minister Petteri Orpo, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Henna Virkkunen, Members of the European Parliament Li Andersson, Maria Ohisalo, Aura Salla, Sirpa Pietikäinen and Ville Niinistö as well as a wide range of leading experts, including Hiski Haukkala and labor market leaders such as Minna Helle, Jarkko Eloranta and Maria Löfgren
Once again Åbo Akademi University is one of the organizers of this three-day event. Our own panels are:
- En nordisk förbundsstat – vision eller utopi?, Wednesday 26.8 at 12.30–13.15
- The Rise of Far-Right Parties and the Changing European Political Landscape, Wednesday 26.8 at 16.30–17.15
- From Research to the Global Market – Finnish Pharmaceutical Innovation Could Generate Billions, Friday 28.8 at 13.30–14.15, in collaboration with The InFLAMES Research Flagship and the University of Turku.
Free and open to all
The Europe Forum is a free and open event for all, which can be attended either in person in Turku or online. Due to limited venue capacity, participants attending in person are kindly asked to register in advance.
Programme and registration
For more information about the Europe Forum, visit the event’s website. The program will be updated over the summer.
Register here.
