The Forum will open with remarks from Brigid Laffan, highlighting the EPC’s pioneering work on economic security. Joakim Reiter, speaking on behalf of all Forum partners, will underline the importance of convening this timely event.

The Forum will then follow with a keynote address by Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security. His remarks will outline the EU’s evolving approach to economic security in response to a rapidly changing global landscape.

This opening session will examine how shifting global power dynamics, intensifying geopolitical competition, and rapid technological disruption are reshaping the international economic order. It will begin with a keynote speech by Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom, and will then explore whether the concept of ‘de-risking’ the global economy remains viable. The discussion will also consider how countries can strike a balance between resilience, strategic rivalry, and international cooperation, setting the stage for the Forum’s subsequent panels.

Global competition over technological leadership is intensifying, with major powers racing to dominate frontier fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, while also securing critical enablers like semiconductors and clean technologies. Opened by a keynote speech from Henna Virkkunen, the Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy of the European Commission, this session will explore how technological innovation and control over strategic supply chains are reshaping the geopolitical landscape. Panellists will examine how governments and industry can foster secure and sustainable tech ecosystems, promote international collaboration, and prepare for the risks and opportunities of the next generation of innovation.

Expert Presentation 

Lion Cage Project – What Are Connected Vehicles? Lessons from the World’s EV Capital 

In today’s volatile geopolitical landscape, countries must be prepared to respond to both military threats and economic shocks. This fireside chat will explore what true preparedness looks like—from whole-of-society approaches and institutional resilience to safeguarding critical infrastructure and supply chains. With perspectives spanning cybersecurity, defence, and geoeconomics, the conversation will address how governments and institutions can anticipate and respond to future crises—whether triggered by war, pandemics, or economic coercion.

Against the backdrop of today’s unprecedented international policy shifts, involving aggressive trade measures and major risks to the global economy and rules-based order, this session will explore how governments can protect strategic interests without dismantling the global trading system. With a focus on how to uphold open, rules-based trade in a more confrontational world, the panel will feature trade experts, business leaders, and representatives from international economic institutions. Discussion will centre on striking a balance between economic security, technological sovereignty, and the need for predictable, mutually beneficial trade partnerships.

As global economic fault lines deepen, new alliances are emerging across the East, West, and Global South. This session will open with a keynote speech by Wopke Hoekstra, the European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth. Trade wars, extraterritorial policies, and currency rivalries are reshaping the landscape, while countries simultaneously seek to reduce supply chain dependencies and attract high-value investment. The discussion will examine how international partnerships can be reimagined to deliver on economic security, resilience, and sustainable development. Panellists from a diverse set of regions will explore how the EU and other advanced economies can align their strategic interests with the aspirations of emerging and developing countries in an era of multipolarity.

• How EU Enlargement and Neighbouring Countries can Strengthen Europe’s Economic Resilience

• 09:00-10:30 | Roundtable 1: Leading by Example: EU-Japan Partnership for Global Economic Security 

• 09:00-10:30 | Roundtable 2: Relations with China in the Age of Economic Security

• 11:00-12:30 | Roundtable 3: Overcoming Coercion and Coordinating Sanctions in a New Era 

• 11:00-12:30 | Roundtable 4: Securing Critical Underwater Infrastructure in an Age of New Threats

Participation in public sessions is open to EPC members, invited guests, EU and international officials, and the media. Roundtable participation is by invitation and subject to confirmation following expression of interest.

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact Ian Hernandez at [email protected]