European security, economy, and democracy are undergoing major changes – and these are directly reflected in the people’s everyday lives, for example in energy prices, changes to working life, and the sense of security. These issues will be explored on 26–28 August 2026.
The ninth Europe Forum will begin on Wednesday with a topical party leaders’ panel, bringing together key political actors to discuss the direction of Europe just before the elections. The panel offers a rare opportunity to examine how European issues are linked to domestic politics and upcoming choices.
The Europe Forum is a free discussion event open to everyone. It brings together a wide range of decision-makers, researchers, business leaders, media representatives, and civil society actors in Turku.
“Decisions made within the framework of the European Union affect all of us Finns. It is worth coming along to listen and also to have a say in how our decision-makers handle these common issues,” says Matti Anttonen, Chair of Eurooppa-foorumi Turussa ry.
What is currently discussed in Europe?
The 2026 Europe Forum will be held, as in previous years, at Turku City Theatre. The programme includes, among other things, the traditional MEP panel. Over three days, 40 programme sessions and 150 speakers will address themes such as:
- European security and resilience, as well as the protection of democracy
- Competitiveness and innovation, as well as the economy and the future of work amid global transformations
- Clean energy and the green transition, which have a direct impact on everyday life and security of supply
- The role of media, information, and European values in a changing operating environment
- The role of research and expertise in Europe’s long-term success
The Forum will feature a wide range of Finnish and European influencers and decision-makers. Participants include Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Henna Virkkunen, and Members of the European Parliament Li Andersson, Maria Ohisalo, Aura Salla and Sirpa Pietikäinen.
The discussion will also bring together key labour market and business representatives, including Minna Helle, Director General of the Confederation of Finnish Industries, Jarkko Eloranta, President of the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions SAK, and Maria Löfgren, President of Akava. Perspectives on security, the economy, and geopolitical change will be provided, for example, by Harri Mikkola, Programme Director at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, and Aki Pihlaja, Critical Infrastructure Team Lead at the National Emergency Supply Agency.
Open discussion for all at Hansatori square
The Europe Forum’s Speakers’ Corner will fill Hansatori square in the Hansa Shopping Centre on Thursday 27 August 2026 with panel discussions, speeches, and encounters. The programme is open to everyone and can be followed without advance registration from 14.00 to 17.00.
The discussions will feature, among others, Members of the European Parliament Li Andersson, Ville Niinistö and Aura Salla, Rami Nieminen, Editor-in-Chief of Turun Sanomat, and Alma Jokinen, Finland’s EU Youth Delegate from Nuorisoala ry. The moderator will be Professor Markku Jokisipilä, Chair of the Schuman Society and Director of the Centre for Parliamentary Studies at the University of Turku.
The event offers an opportunity to gain a better understanding of Europe’s direction – and to take part in the discussion on the choices that will shape the future.
The full preliminary programme and speakers of Speakers’ Corner are available on the forum’s website: Speakers' Corner - Europe Forum
You can take part in the discussions on site or via the live broadcasts online
This year, the Europe Forum will once again feature contributions from influential figures and experts from various fields in Finland and elsewhere in Europe.
The programme will be supplemented and updated during the spring and summer. Read more at www.europeforum.fi/en/ and join the discussion on site or online via the live broadcasts!
This year, too, the autumn season of politics and the economy begins in Turku.
More information:
- Video: Welcome to Europe Forum 2026