European Economic Forum 2025

Programme

At the EEF, leading figures from business, politics and society share their views on the most pressing issues of our time – for a sovereign Europe with competitive companies.

The programme is subject to change. The conference language is English.

Wednesday, 26 November 2025

17.00

Opening & Welcome Drink

Get in the mood for the evening with a welcome drink and exchange ideas with the first guests.

18.00

Welcome

Marcel Stalder

18.15

A strong Switzerland is embedded in a strong Europe.

Opening speech by the Federal Councillor

Ignazio Cassis

19.00

A strong Europe is resilient.

What a life of disruption reveals about business and leadership in uncertain times.

Suzanne Heywood

19.45

until 22.30

«Pont Neuf» Classical drinking - forward thinking

Building bridges in a convivial atmosphere: discover new perspectives and engage in enriching interactions.

Thursday, 27 November 2025

08.00

Opening & Welcome Coffee

08.45

Welcome

Dr. Dominik Isler

09.00

A strong Europe is bold.

AIRBUS as an example of courage, collaboration and competitiveness.

René Obermann

10.35

Break

11.00

Input and exchange with European experts

Sessions Block

A
1
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Mobility in Transition: Leveraging Innovation and Shaping the Future Together

more

Mobility in Switzerland is at a historic turning point. Technological innovation, social change and regulatory decisions are not only changing how we get around, but also what mobility will mean in the future. How can business, politics and society work together to create a sustainable, intelligent and safe mobility landscape? What responsibility does the business sector bear, and what opportunities are opening up for companies?

A
2
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Leadership Beyond Management: Empowering Young Talents for the Future

more

Laurent Choain, Chief Culture & Partnership, explores how transgressive leadership can break outdated norms. Young talent wants purpose and partnership, not just management. Join us to rethink how leadership is evolving and let’s discuss together what it takes to stay relevant.

A
3
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From Strengths to Scale: AI powering European Sovereignty & Economy

more

Europe must act boldly to scale innovations, infrastructure, and AI globally. Only through this we can turn innovation and sovereignty into strategic assets with responsibility and purpose. Learn from three European champions how to transform AI pilots into leaders, identify critical infrastructure, and position yourself at the forefront of Europe's AI renaissance. This isn't just technology. It's Europe's digital destiny.

A
4
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Six Months of the Merz Administration: Europe’s Role in a Global Context

more

The German federal government under Chancellor Merz began with high promises and ambitions. After six months of political reality, it is time for a first assessment. What do Berlin’s decisions mean for Europe and the world? And what does the state of Europe’s “economic engine” imply for business, security, and international relations? We examine key implications for leaders and corporate strategies.

A
5
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Strengthening Democracy, Driving Responsibility: Discover Ideas for Your Impact

more

How can your company help strengthen democracy? In the Basecamp Hackathon, 45 European talents create innovative solutions and present them in this session. Take the opportunity to discover concrete approaches for your Corporate Political Responsibility engagement and make an impact with your organisation, your company or your network.

12.00

Networking Lunch

13.15

A strong Europe is a democratic Europe.

How do we strengthen democracies from within the economy?

The winning project of the Basecamp hackathon

13.25

A strong Europe is future fit.

Transforming ecological responsibility into economic opportunity.

Gaya Herrington

14.15

Break

14.30

A strong Europe is sovereign.

Rethinking and foresight on global trade and its implications on Europe.

Stefan Paul

15.15

A strong Europe is competitive.

Innovation, regulation and the price of falling behind.

Margrethe Vestager

15.45

Farewell

16.00

Farewell-Apéro

Let the past days come to an end with a little drink in a relaxed atmosphere. Save the Date for the next edition: 25 and 26 November 2026.