Europe today faces a seemingly endless list of challenges. The EU’s unity and political cohesion are tested almost daily, and its leaders face tough choices on how to move forward. Serious questions are being raised about how the EU should tackle issues like defense, competitiveness and enlargement, with pressure coming from both within the Union and from the international community at large. This is where CEPS’ Ideas Lab comes in.
As Europe’s highest-profile annual policy event, Ideas Lab has been a major platform for policy debate and discussion since 2014. Leaders in politics, industry, academia and civil society gather alongside CEPS’ expert researchers to take stock of Europe’s present and near future, exchanging ideas and opinions on how to address the challenges we face today.
This year’s edition, happening on March 2-3, is just as timely as its previous editions – if not moreso. We look forward to inviting Europe’s top policymakers and boldest innovators to The Square in Brussels, where our jam-packed agenda includes:
- Five high-level plenary sessions focused on the most urgent issues facing Europe right now. These larger lectures will cover freedom of expression, Europe’s security architecture, the completion of the Single Market and the future of Europe’s industrial and scientific strategies.
- 30 lab sessions delving into more specific topics that shape contemporary EU policy. Although these discussions are smaller, they are just as crucial as the larger plenaries and include topics such as AI policy, achieving Europe’s climate targets, and the EU’s role in Ukraine and Gaza.
- A fireside chat with HE Andrew Puzder, US Ambassador to the EU, who will discuss AI and the digital revolution as the US approaches its 250th anniversary of independence.
- A dedicated Ideas Lab podcast series, where some of our highest-profile speakers will flesh out their ideas on EU and international policy.
… and much more.
Take a closer look at the programme to see what sessions, plenaries and speeches we will be offering
In every single plenary, lab session, fireside chat and podcast episode, some of the biggest voices on policy in Brussels and further afield will be present to share their expert insights. We are excited to welcome, among others:
- Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space, European Commission
- Sauli Niinistö, Former President of the Republic of Finland 2012-2024
- Nadia Calviño, President, the European Investment Bank Group
- Enrico Letta, President, Jacques Delors Institute
- Dr. Tedros Adhanom Hebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization
- Anna Cavazzini, MEP, Chair of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection
- Michael O’Flaherty, Commissioner for Human Rights, Council of Europe
- Florika Fink-Hooijer, Director General HERA (Health Emergency Preparedness & Response), European Commission
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Join us this March to debate, discuss, and experience what it means to truly think ahead for Europe.
