24.8.2021
Discuss the future of Europe when Europe Forum begins the 25th of August
Europe Forum, the 3-day discussion event focusing on science, economy, and politics, is arranged in Turku, Finland on the 25th to 27th of August. The public is invited to engage via the Europe Forum virtual platform, and comment and ask questions using the platform’s chat function. The discussions will be recorded and can be viewed later via YouTube and other channels.
Europe Forum is a hybrid event with over 30 high-level talks and discussions. The stage will be taken by prominent EU politicians like Prime Minister Sanna Marin, Minister for European Affairs Tytti Tuppurainen, Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto, party leader Petteri Orpo, and the Secretary-General of the European Commission Ilze Juhansone, as well as several ministers, MEPs, decision makers, and experts.
“Turku has always been the most European city of Finland, and internationality in all its meanings a part of our city’s identity. We want to maintain and develop this role of ours, also with the Europe Forum that once again launches the political autumn season. The Forum offers a very high-quality programme with current domestic and European topics. On behalf of the city of Turku, I want to thank all the organizers for your hard work and commitment – despite the challenges caused by the pandemic, the programme is more versatile than ever before”, says the Mayor of Turku Minna Arve.
The Europe Forum is now organised for the fourth time. The event is a national discussion forum based on cooperation between NGOs, businesses and public authorities, initiated by the universities in Turku, playing an important role in the international relations of the City of Turku. Turku universities are strongly involved in the arrangements for the event. As last year, the live participation in the Europe Forum is invitation-based.
In the discussions: fighter procurement, trade relations and views of prominent politicians
Wednesday the 25th is Science Day, and one of the topics is Finland’s upcoming fighter procurement. The representatives of the countries taking part in the tender procedure – France, Great Britain, Sweden, and United States – join in a panel discussion.
Thursday the 26th is the Economy Day, when the Secretary-General of the European Commission Ilze Juhansone talks about her views on the competitiveness of the EU, and the trade relations between the US, China, EU, and Finland.
Friday the 27th, the Politics Day, culminates in a discussion between the Prime Minister Sanna Marin and the opposition party leader Petteri Orpo. The programme also includes a public Parliament of Finland Grand Committee hearing.
Europe Forum is part of the Conference on the Future of Europe, and the themes presented in the Forum are gathered and forwarded to the Conference.
See the whole programme: https://europeforum.fi/en/programme/