PROGRAMME

03 - 04 March 2025

The Square, Brussels

The programme is subject to change

Download Programme

10:15 - 11:30

SILVER HALL

Stock-take session: The good, the bad and the ugly: where the EU stands today

The past twelve months have been a remarkable period for technological innovation, economic change and political discussion within the EU. However, this period has not been without points of tension, as the potential of AI technologies and the positive steps towards a green transition intersect with ongoing trends across Europe, including political polarisation and the ongoing war in Ukraine. 

Join us for a stock-take session, where we will take the pulse of where the EU stands today, drawing on fresh insights from PwC’s latest CEO Survey, public opinion data and macroeconomic analysis. As social and economic pressure mounts, understanding these dynamics is essential to charting the path forward. This session will set the scene for Ideas Lab 2025. 

With:

Rusbeh Hashemian, EMEA CTO, PwC Germany

James Kanagasooriam, Chief Research Officer, Focaldata

Outi Slotboom, Director of Strategy and Economic Analysis at DG GROW, European Commission

Daniel Gros, Director of the Institute for European Policymaking, Bocconi University

Tinatin Akhvlediani, Research Fellow in the EU Foreign Policy Unit, CEPS (Moderator)

11:30 - 12:00

SILVER HALL

Kick-off

With:

Andrea Bittnerova, Senior Events and External Relations Manager, CEPS

Andrea Renda, Director of Research, CEPS

13:00 - 14:45

SILVER HALL

Opening: The EU in the post-2024 world

In a world in turmoil, the EU faces mounting challenges from both external and internal fronts. The Trump administration’s decision to exclude the EU and Ukraine from peace talks with Russia, the suspension of US international aid, the defunding of key multilateral institutions, and the rise of anti-European sentiment – even within the Union’s own borders – have left the EU feeling increasingly isolated and under pressure. Now is the time to gather ideas on how to strengthen Europe, both internally and externally, for the months ahead.

This session will feature four keynote speeches addressing some key critical issues: the evolving geopolitical and geo-economic landscape, the future of the EU single market, the prospects for EU enlargement, support for Ukraine, and strategies to counter rising anti-European and far-right sentiment within the Member States.

With:

Andrés Rodríguez Pose, Princesa de Asturias Chair and Professor of Economic Geography, London School of Economics (LSE)

Enrico Letta, Dean, School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs, IE University; President of the Jaques Delors Institute

Laura D. Tyson, Distinguished Professor, Haas School of Business, University of California

Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement, European Commission

Karel Lannoo, CEO, CEPS (Moderator)

Steven Blockmans, Associate Senior Research Fellow, CEPS (Moderator)

Andrea Renda, Director of Research, CEPS (Moderator)

Tinatin Akhvlediani, Research Fellow in the EU Foreign Policy Unit, CEPS (Moderator)

Pierre-Alexandre Balland, Chief Data Scientist, CEPS (Moderator)

13:00 - 14:00

ROOM 201A

Affordable energy prices: a conversation with Miguel Gil-Tertre, Head of Cabinet, Executive Vice-President Ribera

Access to affordable energy is a central pillar of the Clean Industrial Deal and a precondition of competitive European industry. Consensus exists on the need to accelerate renewable energy production, to Europeanise, and to significantly invest in the electricity grid. It is also agreed that consumers must better benefit from low renewable energy generation costs, for example, via changes to the electricity market design. One of the ideas – which we discuss at this year’s Ideas Lab – is to better link decarbonised electricity to industry in order to accelerate its electrification: an area where the EU has been falling behind compared to other regions such as China. 

With:

Miguel Gil-Tertre, Head of Cabinet, Executive Vice-President Ribera

Christian Egenhofer, Associate Senior Research Fellow, CEPS (Moderator)

19:00 - 22:00

PLEIN PUBLIEK

Mont des Arts 5, 1000 Bruxelles

Walking dinner and immersive shows at Plein Publiek

Show 1: AI worlds –  19:45-20:15

This immersive session is composed of three short films: Hidden Code, Archives and In Ai’s Hands. Hidden Code explores AI’s rapid adoption and its ethical challenges, emphasising the balance between technological progress and human responsibility. Archives is a 3-minute AI-generated video questioning the authenticity and implications of reimagining history with generative AI. In Ai’s Hands tells the story of a woman in Costa Rica navigating the tension between AI-driven progress, human connection, and environmental preservation.

  • Hidden Code: Directed, produced and edited by CEPS
  • Archives: Directed, produced and edited by Rabbit Raccoon
  • In Ai’s Hands: Directed, produced and edited by Roberto de la Ossa

With:

Pierre-Alexandre Balland, Chief Data Scientist, CEPS

Show 2: The Iranian archive – 20:30-21:00

The Iranian Archive is a digital initiative dedicated to preserving evidence of human rights violations and international crimes committed by the Islamic Republic of Iran during the crackdown on the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. Coordinated by the Atlantic Council’s Strategic Litigation Project and Mnemonic, it has forensically preserved over two million digital artefacts documenting abuses, including murder, rape, torture, persecution, enforced disappearances, and targeted violence against protesters, bystanders, and marginalised groups. The United Nations has recognised many of these crimes as crimes against humanity. Due to security concerns, access to the archive is currently limited to vetted authorities and accountability organisations.

With:

Friedhelm Weinberg, Director of Programmes, Mnemonic

Lisandra Novo, Law & Tech Counsel, Strategic Litigation Project, Atlantic Council

Cameran Ashraf, Founder & Director, Azadi Digital Archive for Human Rights, Justice, and Accountability (Moderator)

Show 3: The climate crisis and the future of our history – 21:15-21:45

Christian Clauwers is a visual storyteller and explorer with a focus on the natural world, emphasising marine and polar research, climate change, biodiversity, and international scientific projects. His work highlights the intricate relationship between humans and nature, using photography and storytelling to bridge science, policy, and industry while advocating for environmental protection, impactful change, and social responsibility. Christian’s immersive presentations – rooted in scientific evidence and real-world experience – ignite dialogue, enhance understanding of indigenous knowledge, and reveal the delicate balance between humans and nature.

 www.clauwers.com. 

With:

Christian Clauwers, Professional Photographer

08:40 - 10:20

SILVER HALL

Plenary: can Europe deliver on its industrial ambitions?

After the adoption of the Competitiveness Compass, the European Commission will need to implement a long list of concrete actions to achieve its vision of sustainable industrial transformation. To ensure that social and ecological sustainability remains at the heart of the EU’s agenda, they require balancing economic growth, innovation, and environmental responsibility. However, this goal faces significant challenges in the current global landscape marked by rising trade tensions, shifting policy priorities and increasing geopolitical uncertainty. The US push for tariffs and potential departure from sustainability-focused policies further complicate Europe’s way forward.

In this plenary session, leading voices from industry and academia will debate Europe’s ‘North Star’ – the vision that will define its long-term strategy – following initial contributions from Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera and Berkeley Professor David Zilberman.

With:

David Zilberman, Professor, UC Berkeley

Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, European Commission

Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Honorary President, The Club of Rome & Executive Chair, Earth4All

Ann Mettler, Vice President Europe, Breakthrough Energy

Thomas Becker, Vice President Sustainability and Mobility Strategy, BMW Group

Cinzia Alcidi, Senior Research Fellow, Head of the Economic Policy and Jobs & Skills Unit, CEPS (Moderator)

15:00 - 16:30

SILVER HALL

Exploring Europe's digital future

AI has been dominating headlines over the last few months. The recent Action Summit in Paris exposed deep divisions, with some countries advocating for trustworthy AI solutions that serve the public interest – including active engagement with the Global Majority – while the US and the UK refrained from signing the final agreement, citing concerns that regulation could stifle AI innovation. Amid this debate, the EU is once again being called upon to define its own path.

With proposals such as a ‘CERN for AI’, the announcement of a EUR 200 billion action plan by Ursula von der Leyen in Paris, and the pressing need to strike a balance between innovation and risk mitigation, the EU has taken centre stage. In this session, key EU policymakers and leading academics will discuss the future of AI in Europe and its role on the global stage.

With:

Gary Marcus, Professor of Psychology and Neural Science, New York University

Eva Maydell, Member of the European Parliament (EPP)

Marietje Schaake, International Policy Director, Stanford University

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, European Commission

Maria Leptin, President, European Research Council

Andrea Renda, Director of Research, CEPS (Moderator)

15:15 - 16:30

ROOM 206

AI and the future of work: a new division of labour

Recent developments in generative AI have helped to democratise expertise, making knowledge more accessible to a wide range of non-expert workers. Meanwhile, however, many high- and middle skilled occupations continue to experience labour shortages. This lab session will explore how such advancements in AI could be leveraged to redesign jobs and organisations, addressing skill shortages and providing new career paths. (For further background, listen to this CEPS Tech podcast episode)

With:

Enrique Fernandez-Macias, Researcher and coordinating the Employment and Skills team, Joint Research Centre

Marlene de Koning, Director and leading the HR Tech & Digital team, PwC Netherlands

Isabelle Schömann, European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC)

Isabella Loaiza Saa, Postdoctoral Associate, MIT Sloan School of Management

Laura Nurski, Associate Research Fellow and Head of Programme on Future of Work, CEPS (moderator)

15:15 - 16:30

ROOM 204

Is the call for innovation policy a threat to international trade?

Just about everybody agrees that more innovation is needed to bolster EU competitiveness. Many analyses of the root problem unfavourably compare the EU to the US in terms of public and private R&D spending, sectoral and technological allocation and investment returns. Whilst many policy proposals suggest potential solutions, they often overlook the consequences for international trade.

This Lab session will discuss how announced EU innovation policy conflicts with free international trade. Our expert panel will also debate the risk of trade policy retaliation.

With:

Gianmario Impullitti, Professor of Economics, University of Nottingham

Daniel Gros, Director of the Institute for European Policymaking, Bocconi University

Fernando Martín, Head of Analytics, Global Trade Alert

Laura D. Tyson, Distinguished Professor, Haas School of Business, University of California 

Andreas Kopp, Senior Research Fellow, CEPS (Moderator)

15:15 - 16:30

ROOM 213

Enough is enough: redefining prosperity within planetary boundaries

How can we ensure human well-being within planetary boundaries? Mainstreaming the guiding principle of sufficiency in EU policy would offer a fundamental rethinking of how we define prosperity. Rooted in the idea of ‘enough’ consumption, sufficiency-led policy works towards a world where overconsumption no longer depletes the Earth’s resources, while basic needs are universally fulfilled. However, implementing such a vision poses significant challenges to our current economic systems and measures of success.

This Lab will explore the potential of sufficiency as a guiding principle for EU policymaking. With resource depletion, biodiversity loss and climate impacts reaching critical levels, it is clear that decoupling, efficiency and renewable energy alone are not enough. Policies that address the absolute reduction of consumption, alongside equitable resource distribution, are urgently needed. At the same time, the use of sufficiency as a guiding principle provides an opportunity for a more just and sustainable society. What steps can policymakers take to turn these ideas into practice?

With:

Josefina Lindblom, Senior Policy Officer, Eco-innovation and Circular Economy, DG Environment, European Commission

Margot Wendling, Program Director, World Sufficiency Lab

Luca Nipius, Research Assistant, CEPS

Katherine Richardson, Professor in Biological Oceanography, University of Copenhagen 

Patricia Urban, Researcher, CEPS (Moderator)

15:15 - 16:30

ROOM 202

How can the EU creatively engage with emerging middle powers?

Operating in an increasingly transactional international order, the EU must seek to boost its competitiveness as well as its global relevance. The growing influence of emerging middle powers on a global stage is undeniable. This calls for out-of-the-box thinking on how the EU can creatively engage with its international partners, particularly with those in the so-called Global South.

This Lab session will focus on how the EU can best engage collectively with emerging middle powers to achieve a win-win scenario. What are the optimal channels through which to leverage cooperation? What new financial and connectivity mechanisms need to be further developed? What are the key issue areas worth focusing on? Ultimately, the aim is to foster shared interests and strengthen existing partnerships, keeping in mind the differences in approach.

The panel is co-organised with the Global Policy Center (GPC), School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, IE University.

With:

Enrico Letta, Dean, School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs, IE University; President of the Jaques Delors Institute

Rym Ayadi, Founder and President, Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA)

David Ringrose, Head of Division, Connectivity & Digital Transition, EEAS

Cecilia Malmström, Senior Adviser, Covington

John Zysman, Professor Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley

Ilke Toygür, Director of the Global Policy Center, IE University (Moderator)

15:15 - 16:30

ROOM 201B

A new way to health diplomacy

Health is inherently political. International relations and foreign policy significantly shape the political processes that influence health outcomes, giving rise to the concept of ‘health diplomacy’. Recent examples illustrate its importance: during the COVID-19 pandemic, governments navigated complex political dynamics to secure vaccines for their populations; and in ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, healthcare services have been targeted, exacerbating humanitarian crises. In a world grappling with political polarisation and climate change, health diplomacy is more critical than ever in fostering international collaboration to address global health threats.

This Lab session will explore key milestones in health diplomacy, examining both successes and failures. It also anticipates future developments that could shape the strategy for health diplomacy. By bringing together renowned experts and experienced health diplomats, the session aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the field, enriched by both theoretical insights and empirical knowledge.

With:

Peter Piot, Handa Professor of Global Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Emily Wigens, EU Director, The ONE Campaign

Elizabeth Kuiper, Associate Director and Head of the Social Europe and Well-being programme, European Policy Centre (EPC)

Oxana Domenti, Representative to the European Union, WHO

Birgit Van Hout, Director, UNFPA Representation Office to the European Union

Teuta Turani, Senior Donor Manager, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

Francisco Pérez Cañado, Adviser to the Director General on the External Dimension of Health, DG SANTE, European Commission e

Louise Bengtsson, Senior Researcher in Political Science and Deputy Director, Swedish Institute for European Policy Studies (SIEPS) (Moderator)

15:15 - 16:30

ROOM 212

A Union of equality?

‘Equality’ is far from a symbolic term in the EU. It is enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and encompasses equality before the law, non-discrimination, respect for diversity and gender equality.

In 2019, Ursula von der Leyen introduced ‘A Union of Equality’ as a top priority, appointing the first Commissioner dedicated to equality and launching specific strategies on gender equality, anti-racism, LGBTIQ+ rights, Roma inclusion and disability rights. She reaffirmed her commitment to a Union of Equality in the 2024 political guidelines, yet her new Commission does not include a Commissioner exclusively responsible for equality. Notably, key components of the equality action plan are up for renewal in 2025.

On a global scale, this discussion is framed by an ongoing backlash against diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI). More than a backlash, it is a broader attack on equality and non-discrimination as political and legal priorities. If left unchecked, this could undermine the very foundations of the EU project and our democratic systems.

Against this backdrop, our Lab session will assess both the successes and shortcomings of the EU’s equality framework to date. We will cultivate a discussion on what needs to be achieved to make the ‘Union of Equality’ a firm reality, despite the long shadow of reactionary forces.

With:

Davide Colombi, Researcher in the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Unit, CEPS

Julie Pascoet, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, ENAR

Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, Director, The ONE Campaign France and President, France Terre d’Asile

Chaber, Executive Director, ILGA-Europe

Francesco Zoia Bolzonello, Member of Cabinet of Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, European Commission

Evin Incir, Member of the European Parliament (S&D)

Fanny Sauvignon, DEIC Chair and Researcher in the Foreign Policy Unit, CEPS (Moderator)

15:15 - 16:30

ROOM 211

How to ensure a competitive European financial sector and capital market?

The Draghi report underscored the need for an additional 800 billion EUR in annual investments from 2025 to 2030 in order to maintain the EU’s global competitiveness. Due to the already constrained fiscal space of the Member States, it is clear that the majority of additional investment will need to come from the private sector.

The EU’s financial sector and capital markets are characterised by several key features: a large banking system in terms of assets, though lagging in market capitalisation; a sharp decline in public listings within the EU; a shrinking role in both equity and fixed income markets globally; limited venture capital availability and smaller, costlier investment funds, increasingly weighted towards US assets; a strong preference among European households for cash and deposits over investments; and a complex regulatory framework that creates compliance burdens and limits market dynamism.

In this context, revitalising the EU’s financial sector and capital markets takes on heightened importance. In order to gather proposals for the present EU institutional cycle, this lab session will gather high-level representatives from banking, investment, insurance, pension fund and non-financial sectors. If the EU wants to be competitive, its financial sector and capital markets must also be able to compete on the global stage.

With:

Kalin Anev Janse, Chief Financial Officer, European Stability Mechanism (ESM)

Edward S. Knight, Executive Vice Chairman, Nasdaq

Costanza Bufalini, Head of EU Public Affairs and Policy, UniCredit

Ross Hutchinson, Head of Eurozone Market Strategy & Macroeconomics, Zurich Insurance

Judith Arnal, Associate Senior Research Fellow, CEPS (Moderator)

15:15 - 16:30

ROOM 201A

An ecological impact fund

In this ‘idea’ session, Professor Thomas Pogge proposes the establishment of an ecological impact fund (EIF). The EIF would incentivise green technology innovators to waive patent monopolies in low-income countries in exchange for annual payments, based on the environmental harm their innovations avert. Funded by affluent nations, offset markets and donations, the EIF would reduce costs for green technologies, motivating their widespread deployment and stimulating innovation tailored to local needs. By enhancing adoption and building local capacity, the EIF would thus promote sustainable development while offering firms flexibility to participate.

Thomas Pogge, Leitner Professor of Philosophy and International Affairs, Yale University

Jonathan B. Wiener, Professor, Duke University

Kirsten Dunlop, CEO, Climate-KIC

Nicole Reynolds, Associate Research Fellow, CEPS

Alissa Kleinnijenhuis, Visiting Assistant Professor of Finance, Cornell University

Christian Egenhofer, Associate Senior Research Fellow, CEPS (Moderator)

15:15 - 16:30

ROOM 214

Towards a new science of questions in women’s health innovation 1: introducing a new science and taxonomy of questions

We live in a society that is data-rich but often question-poor. Using this innovative taxonomy, we will work with a select group of experts to identify emerging questions and drive progress in women’s health innovation. 

 ‘Questions guru’ Stefaan Verhulst will moderate the two ‘Question Lab’ sessions which will introduce a new science and taxonomy of questions specifically tailored to women’s health innovation. The aim is to emphasise the strategic value that participatory questioning brings to health research, policy and data analysis. Participants will take part in a topic mapping exercise that will help to structure a deeper exploration into women’s health innovation. Group activities will include guided brainstorming, question refinement and a presentation of outcomes in the form of a set of questions that are tailored to advancing women’s health innovation. 

Both Question Lab sessions are closed-door with preselected participants. If you are a domain expert or data scientist and would still like to participate in the Question Lab session, please contact Cosima Lenz

A list of confirmed participants can be found here. 

With:

Stefaan Verhulst, Co-Founder of The GovLab and The DataTank, and Research Professor at New York University (Moderator)

17:00 - 18:15

ROOM 206

Liability for the AI age

The European Union needs to finalise its regulatory framework for AI. With the AI Act now in place, the absence of an updated liability regime is increasingly obvious. It’s worth considering whether now is the right time to adapt EU liability rules to the AI age.

A recent supplementary impact assessment has amplified concerns about the AI Act’s scope and its approach to liability. Additionally, there are objections to the currently proposed liability rules within the European Parliament, with significant worries about regulatory fragmentation between the AI Liability Directive (AILD), the Product Liability Directive and the AI Act.

Nonetheless, effective liability rules are crucial for promoting the adoption of AI and fostering trust in the technology. An important task will be to address dependencies within the value chain and to try to distribute liability risks in a way that lessens the burden on smaller market players. Achieving this requires targeted but flexible solutions with minimal complexity to enable more effective implementation.

This Lab session panel will bring together decision-makers, academics, and practitioners to discuss the AILD proposal in its current state and explore how it might be refined to create a cohesive, adaptable and precise liability framework for the AI age.

With:

Kai Zenner, Head of Office and Digital Policy Adviser for MEP Axel Voss (EPP group), European Parliament

Alexandra von Westernhagen, Partner, Keystone Law

Ioana Mazilescu, Deputy Head of Digital Transition and Judicial Training Unit, European Commission

Kazimierz Ujazdowski, Head of Justice Section, Permanent Representation of Poland to the EU

Jan De Bruyne, Head of IT Law, KU Leuven

Artur Bogucki, Associate Research Assistant, CEPS (Moderator)

17:00 - 18:15

ROOM 204

EU budget 2.0: one competitiveness fund to rule them all? 

As the EU faces growing demands for economic security, green and digital transitions and resilience to global shocks, the future of its budget is under intense scrutiny. In this Lab session, we will address the following questions:

  • Can the current budget framework adapt to these challenges, or is a fundamental overhaul necessary
  • Does the proposal for a European Competitiveness Fund, designed to streamline and reform the EU’s R&I system by merging 11 existing programs, present a new vision for the Union’s financial strategy? or does it risk increasing complexity?
  • Would it be enough to deliver on its promise to advance the EU’s strategic objectives in an increasingly challenging global environment?

With:

Ron Boschma, Professor, Utrecht University

Eulalia Rubio, Associate Senior Research Fellow in the Economic Policy Unit, CEPS

Debora Revoltella, Director of the Economics Department, European Investment Bank

Markus Ferber, Member of the European Parliament (EPP)

Cinzia Alcidi, Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Economic Policy and Jobs & Skills Unit, CEPS (Moderator)

17:00 - 18:15

ROOM 213

How can we close the loop on the circular single market?

Despite positive signs on the ground, the potential of a circular single market is far from being fulfilled in the EU. This Lab session will bring together a panel to address the following questions with a view to closing the loop on the circular single market:

  • How can we reverse long-lasting trends with regard to the low demand for secondary raw materials and their economics?
  • What kind of additional economic instruments can be realistically applied at the EU level?
  • What innovative instruments can help remove obstacles to developing an even playing field for circular materials, products and services?

With:

Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea, Director of Circular Economy at DG Environment, European Commission

Eline Boon, Senior Policy Manager, Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Jan Tytgat, Director Government Affairs, Umicore

Jérémy Fouriau, Senior Manager, Government Affairs & Public Policy, EU Sustainability & Human Rights, HP

Vasileios Rizos, Senior Research Fellow and Head of Sustainable Resources and Circular Economy, CEPS (Moderator)

17:00 - 18:15

ROOM 214

Finding Europe’s role in space

Europe’s role as a global space power is uncertain. The EU lags behind the US and emerging players like China and India in key areas of this rapidly developing domain. Space is becoming a critical pillar of geopolitical strategy and economic growth, with the global value of space-based services projected to exceed seven trillion USD by 2040, fuelled by new space applications and a deep integration of space-based services into the terrestrial economy.

Europe used to boast a dominant position in the space industry. However, lacking investments, political fragmentation and the absence of a clear vision are increasingly making the EU an obsolete player. These factors are decreasing Europe’s autonomy in space, which is essential to economic security and competitiveness, as well as the realisation of the targets set in the EU digital agenda.

This Lab session will bring together policymakers, experts, and representatives of the space industry to discuss the steps needed to reinvigorate Europe’s role as a space power. Moreover, CEPS will present its new Task Force on Space Policy that will discuss how Europe can harness its strength in technology and research, overcome structural barriers and secure strategic autonomy.

With:

Carlo des Dorides, External Expert, CEPS

Sara Dalledonne, Lead on EU Relations & Regulatory Affairs, European Space Policy Institute

Simonas Satunas, Head of Cabinet of Mr Andrius Kubilius, European Commission

Jonathan B. Wiener, Professor, Duke University

Dominique Foray, Professor, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

Andrea G. Rodríguez, Associate Research Fellow in the GRID Unit, CEPS (Moderator)

17:00 - 18:15

ROOM 201B

Enhancing trust in the European Health Data Space

In April 2024, the European Health Data Space (EHDS) legislation was finalised at the EU level. This groundbreaking initiative aims to enable individuals to carry their personal health data digitally while also promoting the secondary use of health data for policymaking, research and innovation. Yet, the EHDS’s success is far from assured. As national governments begin adapting their legal frameworks, policymakers are calling on the public to place trust in this ambitious undertaking. But what exactly is the public being asked to trust?

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a decline in trust toward government institutions, industries and even science, fuelled by misinformation and contradictory evidence. Without transparency and tangible support, calls for trust may fall flat – or worse, exacerbate scepticism. So how can the EU and Member States build the public’s confidence in health data sharing?

In this Lab session, we will discuss why trust is needed for the EHDS and public health in general. In particular, speakers will address the importance of data privacy, the role of the authorities and the need to ensure a competitive and innovative industry.

With:

Tim Büthe, Professor and Chair for International Relations, Technical University of Munich

Lorena Boix-Alonso, Deputy Director-General, DG Sante, European Commission

Stefaan Verhulst, Co-Founder of The GovLab and The DataTank, and Research Professor at New York University

Priscilla Idele, Chief of Data and Analytics Branch, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

Timothy Yeung, Research Fellow, CEPS (Moderator)

17:00 - 18:15

ROOM 212

An ethical oversight framework fit for Article 2

The European Union is built on the principles of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights. Repeated instances of corruption, serious misconduct and unethical behaviour put the meaning of these principles into question. Additional concerns include a lack of transparency, accountability and integrity, which are resulting in disillusionment amongst citizens and the erosion of public trust in EU institutions.

The current fragmented system, meant to ensure ethical oversight, is not working. Over the past mandate, the failure to enforce strong boundaries for the conduct of institutional members has led to scandals and severe cases of abuse of power.

This Lab session approaches the topic of ethics from the rule of law perspective, emphasising how holding European leaders to account is essential to ensure democratic resilience. It aims to present and debate ideas on how to streamline and strengthen the framework for ethical oversight to deliver the highest standards of integrity and accountability within the EU institutions.

With:

Daniel Freund, Member of the European Parliament (Greens/EFA)

Shari Hinds, Policy Officer – EU Political Integrity, Transparency International EU

Emilia Korkea-aho, Professor of European law and legislative studies, University of Eastern Finland

Júlia Pőcze, Research Assistant at the Justice and Home Affairs Unit, CEPS

Sergio Carrera, Senior Research Fellow and Head of Justice and Home Affairs unit, CEPS (Moderator)

17:00 - 18:15

ROOM 211

Connecting the dots: a Digital Clearinghouse to coordinate across EU digital law?

A huge volume of new EU law relevant to digital policy has been enacted over the past few years. The interactions between and among these measures, and also with existing EU legislation, are difficult to foresee in full. The need for an over-arching view is becoming increasingly evident as links are emerging between thematic areas that have historically been largely distinct. There is also a substantial risk of inconsistency and fragmentation across Member States. The risk of a lack of overall coherence is thus substantial.

In this Lab session, we will reflect on ways in which to enhance coordination across the many different thematic areas that EU digital law and regulation now address. Which topics require better coordination? Can lessons be learned from coordination mechanisms in the UK and the Netherlands, and from the experimental Digital Clearinghouse 1.0 that the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) put in place a few years ago?

With:

Victoria de Posson, Secretary General, European Tech Alliance (EUTA)

J. Scott Marcus, Associate Senior Research Fellow, CEPS

Sebastião De Barros Vale, Legal Officer, European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS)

Jacques Pelkmans, Associate Senior Research Fellow, CEPS (Moderator)

17:00 - 18:15

ROOM 201A

The green swan: does Europe need a climate bad bank?

Banks, for the most part, are still underestimating and mispricing climate risks that could lead to the devaluation of assets in their portfolios, potentially putting their solvency at risk. The mandatory transition to net zero could have unintended consequences that lead to a financial crisis, mainly from stranded assets in sectors that are no longer investable.

Policymakers are faced with having to steer two of the largest and most important sectors of the economy – energy and finance – down a sustainable path to net zero. This will involve many difficult trade-offs and political choices.

In order to achieve the twin objectives of staving off a climate-mediated financial crisis and reaching net zero targets, should regulators consider pre-emptively setting up a climate bad bank? In this Lab session, we will explore the potential of this idea to avoid a ‘green swan’ both to immunise the financial system from non-performing assets, as well as to wind down fossil fuel assets on an accelerated timeline, thereby reducing their warming potential. As part of this discussion, we will consider the following questions:

  • How can regulators balance the risk of moral hazard with decarbonisation goals if they did implement a climate bad bank?
  • How would a climate bad bank future-proof EU sustainability objectives for growth, competitiveness and security?

With:

Nicole Reynolds, Associate Research Fellow, CEPS

Alissa Kleinnijenhuis, Visiting Assistant Professor of Finance, Cornell University

Julia Symon, Head of Policy Research and Advocacy, Finance Watch

Thomas Pogge, Leitner Professor of Philosophy and International Affairs, Yale University

Kirsten Dunlop, CEO, Climate-KIC

Judith Arnal, Associate Senior Researcher, CEPS (Moderator)

17:00 - 18:15

ROOM 202

Global Gateway 2.0: a moment of truth

‘We cannot do everything everywhere all at once.’ This statement from the Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela carries extra meaning beyond his call to focus on the EU’s ‘real strategic interests’.

With Europe and its traditional allies engaging in slash-and-burn cuts to aid spending and the handing over of Global Gateway to European industries, the EU’s international partnerships are currently in a state of metamorphosis.

Following its launch in 2021, Global Gateway challenged a newly ‘geopolitical Commission’ into striking a balancing act between foreign policy interests and development. Fuel has also been added to the fiery debate on EU values in external action – legally-binding but constantly threatened in the global battle to build connectivity networks.

Today, the Commission is warning that it needs to act within a ‘hyper competitive, hyper transactional’ space and look at the world through a security lens. By walking the path laid out by the Competitiveness Compass, are we throwing all other compasses overboard? How can Global Gateway be taken from start-up to scale-up? Can the EU walk the tightrope between pragmatism and consistency with its partners?

Join this Lab session as we attempt to chart a path ahead for the EU’s international relationships in this moment of truth.

Rym Ayadi, Founder and President, Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA)

Louise van Schaik, Head of Unit EU & Global Affairs/ Senior Research Fellow, The Clingendael Institute

Roy Virah-Sawmy, Policy Coordinator, European Partnership for Democracy

Reinhard Bütikofer, Senior Fellow, Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)

David Ringrose, Head of Division, Connectivity & Digital Transition, EEAS    

Virginie Battu-Henriksson, Policy Officer, Directorate for Sustainable Development Policy and Coordination, DG INTPA, European Commission

Ceren Ergenc, Research Fellow, CEPS (Moderator)

17:15 - 18:30

CIRCLE 210

Competitive, secure, clean and investable: what next for the EU’s industrial policy?

Private roundtable with JPMorganChase. Limited places available, please email [email protected] if you’re interested to check availability. 

11:00 - 12:15

ROOM 206

EuroStack: a blueprint for Europe’s digital sovereignty

Europe stands at a crossroads in an era of rapid technological transformation and geopolitical uncertainty. As digital infrastructure becomes a cornerstone of economic and strategic power, Europe’s reliance on external providers exposes vulnerabilities that threaten its autonomy, innovation and security.

EuroStack offers a bold vision to strengthen Europe’s digital sovereignty. By integrating required layers of technology, regulations, and investments into a unified framework, EuroStack addresses critical gaps in areas such as semiconductors, cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence. The layered approach of this conceptual model ensures resilience and adaptability across sectors, enabling Europe to compete globally while safeguarding its democratic values.

This Lab session will feature policymakers and academics to discuss how to build a European digital ecosystem and how to combine immediate actions with long-term strategies to secure Europe’s technological sovereignty and global competitiveness.

Fausto Gernone, Innovation Economist, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose

Max Lemke, Head of Internet of Things Unit, European Commission 

Michael Schönstein, Head of General Digital Policy, German Federal Chancellery 

Lucie-Aimée Kaffee, EU Policy Lead & Applied Researcher, Hugging Face

Martin Hullin, Director of Digitalisation and the Common Good, Bertelsmann Stiftung

Arvea Marieni, Partner and Board Member, Brainscapital

Christopher Fischer, Research Fellow, CEPS (Moderator)

11:00 - 12:15

ROOM 212

Leveraging pension funds to foster productivity and benefit future pensioners

The EU does even better than the US at creating high-tech start-ups; however, many European firms whither on the vine due to a lack of finance. EU firms lack access to the kind of risk capital that is needed to enable a promising startup firm to scale up. On average, pre-initial public offering (IPO) venture capital funding for innovative firms – if they can obtain any venture capital or private equity funding at all – is only a fifth as much as for their US counterparts, private equity funding only a twentieth as much.

Silicon Valley as we know it today would have been unthinkable without ERISA, a little-noticed 1974 change in the US regulation of pension funds. ERISA unleashed a growing flood of pension fund money into venture capital funds, and also provided future pensioners with better returns on their payments.

In this Lab session, we will explore possible changes to pension and insurance policy that might serve not only to unlock the EU’s innovation potential, but that might perhaps also contribute to better stability for pensions in the face of demographic change. Recent developments in Italy will be of special interest.

With:

J. Scott Marcus, Associate Senior Research Fellow, CEPS

Stefano Quintarelli, Adviser, CEPS

Matti Leppälä, CEO, Pensions Europe

Apostolos Thomadakis, ECMI Head of Research, CEPS

Elina Yrgård, Legal Counsel, European Affairs, Nasdaq

Nicole Reynolds, Associate Research Fellow, CEPS (Moderator)

11:00 - 12:15

ROOM 213

A business case for low energy prices in the EU

Not a single speech of any European politician goes without saying ‘that Europe needs to bring energy prices down’. However, politicians are less vocal when it comes to the ‘how’ of reducing energy costs. Of the suggestions that are put forward, most overlook the other side of the equation: profitability of investment. In the medium to long-term, Europe will need to invest massively in low-carbon electricity generation. This, in turn, requires that electricity generation remains profitable. In order to solve this conundrum, it is clear that we are in need of new and different solutions.

This Lab session will address possible solutions to high energy prices, which consistently have been identified as one of the main impediments to competitiveness of EU industry. We will identify possible measures to reduce EU energy prices and discuss implications for a situation where the gap, notably with the US and China, cannot be closed.

With:

Marta Lovisolo, Senior Policy Advisor Europe, ECCO

Ulrik Stridbæk, Vice President and Head of Regulatory and Public Affairs, Ørsted

Vera Brenninkmeyer, Director of Public Affairs and Communications, TenneT

Tom Howes, Adviser for Green Transition and Market Regulation, DG ENER, European Commission

Alain Taccoen, Head of Stakeholder Relations, Electricité de France (EDF)

Nicolai Romanowski, Senior Energy Manager, European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC)

Christian Egenhofer, Associate Senior Research Fellow, CEPS (Co-moderator)

Francesco Gazzoletti, Managing Partner, FortyEight Brussels (Co-moderator)

11:00 - 12:15

ROOM 201A

Europe’s transition to quantum-safe: are we there yet?

Advances in quantum technologies have the potential to drastically change the world as we know it. They are expected to positively impact many sectors of the global economy, including pharmaceuticals, climate and weather modelling, and financial portfolio management. These benefits come from the computational advantages of problem solving in totally novel and different ways compared to using traditional computers.

At the same time, this new computational power also has a downside. The biggest threat established by quantum computing technologies is that, in the near future, they could break through the cryptographic methods that underpin our current methods of cybersecurity, allowing for the unauthorised decryption of private messages and financial transactions.

There is a growing consensus among the major companies building quantum computers the Cryptographically Relevant Quantum Computer (CRQC), able to crack the current encryption algorithms, will be available by the beginning of the next decade.

Against this backdrop, this Lab will discuss questions such as:

  • What is the status of the transition to a quantum safe world in the EU?
  • How is the work of the EU Coordinated Implementation Roadmap for the transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography progressing?
  • What type of migration model should be promoted?

With:

Bart Preneel, Full Professor, KU Leuven and Head of the Imec-COSIC Research Group

Michael Osborne, CTO for IBM Quantum Safe, IBM Research Division, Zurich Research Center

Angela Dupont, Adviser, Bank for International Settlements

Ivan Scannapiecoro, Senior Programme Officer, European Cybersecurity Competence Centre

Andrea G. Rodríguez, Associate Research Fellow in the GRID Unit, CEPS

Lorenzo Pupillo, Associate Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Cybersecurity@CEPS Initiative, CEPS (Moderator)

11:00 - 12:15

ROOM 214

How to incentivise neglected disease R&D in the EU?

Despite the EU’s leadership in science, a significant gap remains in translating groundbreaking research into final products. Meanwhile, climate change is introducing diseases like Dengue and malaria to Europe, while rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is undermining the efficacy of existing treatments. Strengthening the EU’s capacity to translate research and innovation into impactful solutions is essential for addressing global challenges while bolstering Europe’s competitiveness and geopolitical influence.

This Lab session presents the results of a study that examines innovative funding mechanisms, such as priority review vouchers and advance market commitments (pull incentives), to help the EU fund and incentivise global health innovation. Developed in collaboration with over 30 leading organisations, the study highlights case studies of successful incentives driving research and development (R&D) in areas of unmet medical need such as neglected and emerging infectious diseases.

The session will explore how innovative pull funding mechanisms can transform research into meaningful health and societal outcomes, strengthening Europe’s ability to tackle health challenges by fostering a robust ecosystem for global health innovation. Current EU initiatives –such as the overhaul of pharmaceutical legislation, the launch of a Life Sciences Strategy and Biotechnology Act and the review of HERA – offer opportunities to implement these innovative approaches.

With:

Lisa Görlitz, Head of Brussels Office and Head of Advocacy Unit, EU, Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW)

Wolfgang Philipp, Principal Adviser and Chief Science Officer, Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), European Commission

Thi Hanh Cao, External Relations Director, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi)

Willo Brock, EU Representative, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)

Rosa Castro, Senior Advocacy Officer EU, Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW) (Moderator)

11:00 - 12:15

ROOM 204

Legal migration pathways to the EU: policies vs. reality

In the political guidelines for her second term, Commission President von der Leyen pledged to open up ‘legal migration pathways’ to the EU, protect third-country nationals from exploitation, ensure good working conditions and attract individuals with the skills needed to strengthen national economies. 

But what are ‘legal pathways’ and who are they for? How will the von der Leyen II Commission improve and strengthen the existing framework for regular migration? Do current EU and national migration policies effectively address the real-life circumstances and aspirations of third-country nationals moving to or residing in the EU? Are these policies inclusive enough, and do they comply with EU and international legal and labour standards? What are priority areas for action under the current Commission? 

Drawing on the preliminary findings of the I-CLAIM Horizon Europe project, this Lab session will examine current EU and national approaches to regular migration, their effects on the living and working conditions of third-country nationals, and explore potential recommendations for improvement. 

With:

Supported by

Anita Vella, European Commission, DG HOME, European Commission

Ludovica Banfi, European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)

Nando Sigona, Professor, University of Birmingham

Michele Levoy, Director, PICUM

Mercedes Miletti, Senior Adviser, European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC)

Davide Colombi, Researcher in the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Unit, CEPS (Moderator)

11:00 - 12:15

ROOM 211

Empowering AI supervisory authorities in a global context

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in society, countries are developing regulation and in the midst of doing so, they are grappling with the need to design the institutional mechanisms and frameworks for enforcing regulation and supervising it. In this sense, establishing supervisory frameworks has become a critical challenge for governments around the world. This panel brings together distinguished representatives from supervisory authorities, international organizations, academia, and policy experts to explore the changing landscape of AI supervision. Speakers will examine emerging best practices, share experiences from various regulatory contexts, and discuss strategies for strengthening international cooperation on AI supervision. The discussion will particularly focus on building institutional capacity for supervisory authorities tasked with implementing AI regulation and how to best encourage cross-border collaboration while addressing unique regional challenges.   

With:

Irakli Khodeli, Head of Ethics of AI Unit, UNESCO 

Peggy Valcke, Professor of Law and Technology, KU Leuven 

Andrea Renda, Director of Research, CEPS 

Nicolas Moës, Executive Director, The Future Society

Rose Woolhouse, Head of International AI Policy and Strategy, Department for Science, Innovation and Tech (DSIT) UK

Kevin Luca Zandermann, Senior Analyst Science and Technology, Tony Blair Institute

Huub Janssen, Trailblazer for Public Supervision on AI, Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure  (Moderator)

11:00 - 12:15

ROOM 201B

Are green jobs great jobs? How to ensure quality jobs in the green transition

The promotion and creation of quality jobs feature amongst the primary responsibilities of the new Executive Vice-President for Social Rights, Quality Jobs and Preparedness. This priority intertwines with other important policy challenges for the future of the EU, notably the green transition. A fair transition can only be ensured if workers displaced from their industries can regain a job with decent working conditions. The creation of quality jobs can help key sectors secure the right workforce with proper skills and access to training.

After briefly discussing the concept of job quality, this Lab session will focus on the relation between the green transition in the labour market and job quality. How will climate change and the transition to a green economy affect job quality? Are green jobs quality jobs? What means exist to improve the quality of green jobs? These questions will be explored during this session with our group of panellists.

This session is part of the project

With:

Achim Schmillen, Lead Economist and Program Leader for Human Development for the EU Member States, The World Bank

Barbara Gerstenberger, Head of Working Life Unit, Eurofound

Francesco Corti, Member of Cabinet of EVP Roxana Mînzatu, European Commission

Jonathan Cornah, Policy Officer, European Federation of Building and Woodworkers

Alexandre Ounnas, Research Fellow, CEPS (Moderator)

11:00 - 12:15

ROOM 202

From the margins to the mainstream: The rise of the far right in the EU

Across the EU, far-right parties are gaining ground. In many Member States, they are now part of the government, sometimes as junior partners, sometimes as the leading coalition party. Consequently, in both the European Council and the Council of the EU, politicians from far-right parties are now regularly taking part in EU decision-making.  Their influence is also continuing to grow in the European Parliament, with around 25% of MEPs sitting for far-right parties – and they are actively teaming up with the centre-right to win some selective votes.    

What are the implications of all this? How will far-right gains affect EU policies and its decision-making at the national and European level? How are mainstream centre-right and centre-left parties responding – and which strategies have proven effective? Is the cordon sanitaire still a viable concept?   

This session will be taking a closer look at how far-right parties behave once they are in power, drawing on recent experiences such as in the Netherlands and Finland. It will explore what unites these parties across Europe, where they differ, and what we can be learn about the future of European democracy and the EU’s capacity to act. 

With:

Sanna Salo, Senior Research Fellow, Finnish Institute for International Affairs (FIIA)

Nicolai von Ondarza, Head of Research Division EU/Europe, The German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP)

Anthony Zacharzewski, President, The Democratic Society

Sophia Russack, Researcher, CEPS (Moderator)

11:00 - 12:15

CIRCLE 210

Carbon Accounting: Streamlining EU Regulation to Enable Efficient, Transparent, and Comparable CO2 Reporting

The new EU legislative landscape is taking shape and simplification of regulation is at the heart of the agenda. Existing regulations such as CBAM, CSRD, and the Battery Regulation contain distinct provisions for measuring carbon footprints. Greater alignment of reporting standards across multiple sustainability frameworks could improve reporting efficiency and enhance the accuracy of emissions data, benefiting businesses, regulators, and consumers alike.


This roundtable will examine the current carbon accounting framework and potential avenues for streamlining greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting. Prof. Karthik Ramanna, Professor of Business and Public Policy at the University of Oxford, and Dr. Thomas Becker, VP of Corporate Strategy, Sustainability, and Mobility at BMW Group, will provide introductory remarks. Their insights will set the stage for an open discussion among all roundtable participants

With:

Karthik Ramanna, Professor of Business and Public Policy, University of Oxford

Thomas Becker, VP of Corporate Strategy, Sustainability, and Mobility, BMW Group

Anna Grochowska, Senior Technical Manager, EFRAG

Vasileios Rizos, Senior Research Fellow and Head of Sustainable Resources and Circular Economy, CEPS (Facilitator)

Christian Dietz, Researcher, CEPS (Facilitator)

13:30 - 14:45

ROOM 206

A platform for start-ups

Europe has the talent, the education systems and the market size to be a tech powerhouse. What it lacks? About 100 billion EUR – that’s the annual investment gap with the US. Without closing this funding divide, Europe might find itself permanently playing catch-up in a game where second place looks like no place at all.

In this Lab session, experts from Bondo.ai present a proposal for a European Resource Investment Pool, a revolutionary approach to deploying capital and strategic resources across the continent using advanced smart decision-making methodologies. Such a platform would serve as Europe’s first true sovereign wealth facility, using data-driven decision-making to ensure optimal allocation of resources. It would also support early-stage innovations before they become visible to traditional investors, filling a critical gap in Europe’s innovation ecosystem.

With:

Guus Keder, Principal, Bondo Foundation

Diane Robers, Professor of Management Practice, EBS Business School

Merete Clausen, Deputy Chief Executive, European Investment Fund (EIF)

Thierry Albert, President and Director of Innovation, BEAM3

Pierre-Alexandre Balland, Chief Data Scientist, CEPS (Moderator)

13:30 - 14:45

ROOM 212

A vision for Europe's FP10

Set to start on 1 January 2028, as part of the new EU budget cycle, the Tenth Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10) is already at the centre of a hectic debate. Reports by Letta, Draghi and the Heitor Group advocated at least doubling the budget available for Horizon Europe, to reach 200 to 220 billion EUR in the seven years from 2028 to 2034.  

CEPS has launched an ambitious research programme on this subject, attracting funding from the Wellcome trust, Imperial College, and the Gates Foundation. In this Lab session, we present our vision for an ambitious FP10, with several proposed reforms in terms of structure, governance, budget, instruments, impacts and international collaboration. 

With:

Marc Lemaître, Director-General of DG Research and Innovation, European Commission

Manuel Heitor, Professor, Technical University of Lisbon

Andrea Renda, Director of Research, CEPS

Katherine Richardson, Professor in Biological Oceanography, University of Copenhagen

Maria Leptin, President, European Research Council

Hien Vu, Associate Researcher, CEPS (Moderator)

13:30 - 14:45

ROOM 213

Ambitious carbon pricing in an eroding playing field: is there a silver bullet?

The EU increasingly appears to bear the heaviest burden of intense decarbonisation efforts amongst major economies, with the adoption of ever stricter carbon pricing. In the short-term, this risks weakening (export) competitiveness and triggering negative spillover across its economy.

The brand new Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) aims to offer at least a partial cushioning of the blow to EU industry, but will it be enough? Many, both within and outside the EU, think not. So, what additional options are available to ensure a level playing field for industries pursuing decarbonisation?

A few nations have followed suit in adopting similar carbon pricing instruments and are increasingly considering adopting carbon border adjustments. Can ‘climate clubs’ move beyond a theoretical exercise, or might trade measures and agreements on shared decarbonisation goals offer a more viable solution? Is there a silver bullet?

With:

Milan Elkerbout, Fellow, Resources for the Future

Luc Haustermans, Vice President, Yara International

Michael Suhr, Senior Vice President and Group Head of Stakeholder Relations, NKT

Dominic Coppens, , Professor of International Economic Law, Maastricht University

Malorie Schaus, Research Fellow, CEPS (Discussant)

Irina Kustova, Head of the Energy Programme, CEPS (Discussant)

Christian Dietz, Researcher, CEPS (Discussant)

13:30 - 14:45

ROOM 201A

Derisking critical supply chains: a case for EU-Taiwan cooperation

A war in the Taiwan Straits would be twice as detrimental to global supply chains than the invasion of Ukraine. The EU cannot give military support to Taiwan beyond the actions of individual Member States, such as Germany’s navy passing the Straits. However, an invasion of Taiwan would also bring peril to the geoeconomic interests of the EU, given that Taiwan holds an important place in semiconductor production networks. This Lab session will bring together decision-makers and experts to discuss the potential for EU-Taiwan collaboration in semiconductor supply chains amidst the ongoing US-China economic competition.

With:

Miriam Lexmann, Member of the European Parliament (EPP)

Joris Teer, Research Analyst, EU Institute for Security Studies (EUISS)

Roy Chun Lee, Ambassador, Taipei Representative Office in the EU and Belgium

John Zysman, Professor Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley

Chun-Yi Lee, Associate Professor, University of Nottingham

Ceren Ergenc, Research Fellow, CEPS (Moderator)

13:30 - 14:45

ROOM 202

Cutting red tape or cutting corporate accountability? The Omnibus Simplification Package in focus

In the recently adopted Competitiveness Compass, the European Commission has announced an unprecedented effort aimed at simplifying legislation and reducing administrative burdens. This includes the launch of a series of Omnibus Simplification packages, starting with the fields of sustainable finance reporting, sustainability due diligence and taxonomy. This proposed Omnibus regulation, expected to be adopted on 26 February by the European Commission, has become very controversial, with a strong divide not only between corporations and NGOs, but also inside the business world. How can we achieve simplification without compromising on the EU’s social and environmental commitments, on which the European Commission has promised to ‘stay the course’? In this session we bring the most relevant stakeholders together to attempt a reconciliation of opposing interests, in the quest for a meaningful win-win solution.

Matteo Borsani, Managing Director, Confindustria

Lara Wolters, Member of the European Parliament (S&D)

Céline Kauffmann, Chief Programmes Officer, IDDRI

Mirzha de Manuel, Member of the Cabinet of Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commission

Jacques Pelkmans, Associate Senior Research Fellow, CEPS (Moderator)

13:30 - 14:45

ROOM 204

Three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion: what’s next for Ukraine?

This Lab session will take stock of the key developments and consequences of three years of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. How have the war’s ripple effects shaped European and global security? What has changed on the battlefield and where do Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts stand? How is Donald Trump’s return to the White House shifting US foreign policy and what will be the impact on Western support for Ukraine and transatlantic unity? Most importantly, our panel of experts will examine the road ahead – for Ukraine, its allies and broader geopolitical dynamics. 

With:

Chentsov Vsevolod, Ambassador, Mission of Ukraine to the EU

Max Bergmann, Director, Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program, CSIS

Marta Wytrykowska, Deputy Head of Unit, European External Action Service (EEAS)

Hennadiy Maksak, Executive Director, Foreign Policy Council “Ukrainian Prism”

Weronika Frydryszek, Poland’s Representative, Political and Security Committee (PSC)

Tinatin Akhvlediani, Research Fellow in the EU Foreign Policy Unit, CEPS (Moderator)

13:30 - 14:45

ROOM 211

Reforming GDPR: an unusual alignment?

After six years in force, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been the basis for over 80 rulings from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and has resulted in more than 2000 fines totalling 4.5 billion EUR. Its significant impact has spurred the creation of a compliance service industry and influenced global privacy regimes.

From the start, GDPR faced challenges in achieving its ambitious goals. Vague provisions and underfinancing led to legal uncertainty, fragmentation, and under-enforcement, undermining its one-stop-shop mechanism and causing unforeseen spillover effects. Today, the data regulatory landscape is more complex with the introduction of Data Strategy regulations and the AI Act, expanding the scope GDPR must oversee in a digital environment.

Is now the time to revisit and revise GDPR to address these issues, or is it too soon given that the new regulations are not yet fully enforced? Despite these considerations, the implementation and enforcement of GDPR, along with compliance and regulatory costs, impacts on fundamental rights, market power and innovation, continue to present significant challenges that require urgent attention.

Tune in to our expert panel discussion in this Lab session on the future of GDPR, the evolution of European data protection and its impact on the EU’s digital competitiveness.

With:

Axel Voss, Member of the European Parliament (EPP)

Max Schrems, Privacy lawyer and Honorary chair, Nyob

Bianca-Ioana Marcu, Deputy Director for Global Privacy, Future of Privacy Forums

Paula Gürtler, Associate Research, CEPS (Moderator)

13:30 - 14:45

ROOM 201B

AI for all: how to better design and regulate AI for fairness

Artificial Intelligence has integrated itself into all of our lives in one way or another, influencing everything from healthcare pathways to recruitment prospects. However, their widespread use is not issue-free: AI systems relying on biased datasets risk reinforcing inequalities – disproportionately impacting marginalised communities. The use of these systems not only undermines individual opportunities but also reinforces systemic discrimination, whether in job applications, policing, or access to services.  

This Lab session will explore practical solutions to algorithmic bias, including bias audits, diverse datasets and stronger regulation. Together, these could form a toolkit that ensure AI benefits everyone fairly. A presentation on fairness in AI will precede a panel discussion where experts will discuss the key challenges. 

This session is part of the project

ORBIS has received funding from the European Union under grant agreement no 101094765

With:

Magdalena Bochnak, Young Thinker, CEPS

Robert Praas, Data Scientist, CEPS

Arthur Dyevre, Professor, KU Leuven

Karen Melchior, Senior Adviser, CEPS

Berta Mizsei, Researcher, CEPS (Moderator)

13:30 - 14:45

ROOM 214

Towards a new science of questions in women’s health innovation 2: group brainstorming and question sourcing

We live in a society that is data-rich but often question-poor. Using this innovative taxonomy, we will work with a select group of experts to identify emerging questions and drive progress in women’s health innovation. 

 ‘Questions guru’ Stefaan Verhulst will moderate the two ‘Question Lab’ sessions which will introduce a new science and taxonomy of questions specifically tailored to women’s health innovation. The aim is to emphasise the strategic value that participatory questioning brings to health research, policy and data analysis. Participants will take part in a topic mapping exercise that will help to structure a deeper exploration into women’s health innovation. Group activities will include guided brainstorming, question refinement and a presentation of outcomes in the form of a set of questions that are tailored to advancing women’s health innovation. 

Both Question Lab sessions are closed-door with preselected participants. If you are a domain expert or data scientist and would still like to participate in the Question Lab session, please contact Cosima Lenz

A list of confirmed participants can be found here. 

With:

Stefaan Verhulst, Co-Founder of The GovLab and The DataTank, and Research Professor at New York University (Moderator)