By clicking “Accept,” you agree to the storage of cookies on your device to improve website navigation, analyze site usage, and support our marketing efforts. For more information, please see our privacy policy.
All Insights
Europe needs an update. In its security architecture, still shaped by post-war arrangements. In its energy and raw material supply chains, which have exposed risky dependencies. In digital infrastructure, climate policy, and its culture of innovation. As the AI revolution reshapes entire markets, Europe struggles to strike a balance between regulatory protection and technological momentum. With partial deindustrialisation, the continent risks losing key capabilities to China, the US and the Gulf States. Internally, centrifugal forces are growing. Rising inequality is eroding trust in democratic institutions; polarisation and populism are hindering dialogue. War, climate pressures and economic migration are straining societies. And above all looms the question: What does Europe stand for in the 21st century? And what role does its economy—still the world’s second-largest by nominal GDP—play?
The answers to these challenges already exist. We need people. We need greater sovereignty, green technologies, a spirit of renewal, and deeper debate about our shared values. We need dialogue.
At the European Economic Forum 2025 (EEF), 700 leaders from business, politics, academia and civil society will come together to tackle the most urgent economic and geopolitical issues of our time—cross-generationally and with strategic focus. The goal: to make European businesses more resilient and competitive. Because their success determines not only the fate of individual companies, but also the social stability of Europe—a continent that draws strength from a robust economy. The 2025 motto: Back to Business. It's time to roll up our sleeves and activate Europe’s full potential.
How can businesses succeed in times of extreme volatility? René Obermann, Chair of the Airbus Board, leads a European aerospace giant that turns global challenges into competitive advantage. At EEF 2025, he’ll share how this is achieved—and what it means for Europe’s defence capabilities.
The logistics group Kuehne+Nagel directly experiences the shifts in global trade. From customs disputes and homeshoring to supply chain upheavals and disruptive players like TikTok and Temu—CEO Stefan Paul will offer sharp analysis of market transformation.
While Stefan Paul offers a in-depth view on shifting markets, Margrethe Vestager brings a strong focus on values-based economics. The long-serving EU Commissioner for Competition has held tech giants like Amazon and Apple to account. At EEF, she’ll show how sovereign economic policy can function at the intersection of innovation and regulation.
Businesses face daily pressure from a world in flux—whether due to geopolitical tensions or trade conflicts. Yet it’s often the long-term questions that shape the future. That’s why EEF also addresses themes such as sustainability, education, and migration—issues that may seem less immediate, but are crucial for shaping the future of Europe's economy.
European Economic Forum
26–27 November 2025, KKL Lucerne
Discover leading voices and join the conversation at the EEF 2025—where global business and politics meet corporate strategy and leadership.
At EEF, 700 current and future leaders work together to build a resilient and competitive Europe.
all Insights
Europe needs an update. In its security architecture, still shaped by post-war arrangements. In its energy and raw material supply chains, which have exposed risky dependencies. In digital infrastructure, climate policy, and its culture of innovation. As the AI revolution reshapes entire markets, Europe struggles to strike a balance between regulatory protection and technological momentum. With partial deindustrialisation, the continent risks losing key capabilities to China, the US and the Gulf States. Internally, centrifugal forces are growing. Rising inequality is eroding trust in democratic institutions; polarisation and populism are hindering dialogue. War, climate pressures and economic migration are straining societies. And above all looms the question: What does Europe stand for in the 21st century? And what role does its economy—still the world’s second-largest by nominal GDP—play?
The answers to these challenges already exist. We need people. We need greater sovereignty, green technologies, a spirit of renewal, and deeper debate about our shared values. We need dialogue.
At the European Economic Forum 2025 (EEF), 700 leaders from business, politics, academia and civil society will come together to tackle the most urgent economic and geopolitical issues of our time—cross-generationally and with strategic focus. The goal: to make European businesses more resilient and competitive. Because their success determines not only the fate of individual companies, but also the social stability of Europe—a continent that draws strength from a robust economy. The 2025 motto: Back to Business. It's time to roll up our sleeves and activate Europe’s full potential.
How can businesses succeed in times of extreme volatility? René Obermann, Chair of the Airbus Board, leads a European aerospace giant that turns global challenges into competitive advantage. At EEF 2025, he’ll share how this is achieved—and what it means for Europe’s defence capabilities.
The logistics group Kuehne+Nagel directly experiences the shifts in global trade. From customs disputes and homeshoring to supply chain upheavals and disruptive players like TikTok and Temu—CEO Stefan Paul will offer sharp analysis of market transformation.
While Stefan Paul offers a in-depth view on shifting markets, Margrethe Vestager brings a strong focus on values-based economics. The long-serving EU Commissioner for Competition has held tech giants like Amazon and Apple to account. At EEF, she’ll show how sovereign economic policy can function at the intersection of innovation and regulation.
Businesses face daily pressure from a world in flux—whether due to geopolitical tensions or trade conflicts. Yet it’s often the long-term questions that shape the future. That’s why EEF also addresses themes such as sustainability, education, and migration—issues that may seem less immediate, but are crucial for shaping the future of Europe's economy.
European Economic Forum
26–27 November 2025, KKL Lucerne
Discover leading voices and join the conversation at the EEF 2025—where global business and politics meet corporate strategy and leadership.
At EEF, 700 current and future leaders work together to build a resilient and competitive Europe.
You will find more information about our upcoming activities in our newsletter.
Register here for our newsletter!
