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2026-07-03 · Source: Bruegel | The Brussels-based economic think tank · Field: Government & Public Sector — Public Policy & Governance, International Relations & Diplomacy, Public Finance & Administration · Depth: Expert, medium

Summary

The 2026 Bruegel Annual Meetings will feature a comprehensive agenda addressing critical European and global challenges across numerous public and closed-door sessions. Key discussions include the survival of climate policy, Europe's clean energy and industrial transformation, and the balance between competitiveness and tax policies. Other sessions will explore bridging EU privacy rules with economic reality, the macroeconomic implications of the Middle East conflict, and anticipating Europe's care transformation, focusing on longevity risk and health uncertainty. Further topics encompass maximizing European rearmament spending, navigating AI regulation to balance harm mitigation and innovation, and reimagining enlargement policy towards 2030. The meetings will also delve into future-proofing European banking, European trade policy beyond traditional FTAs, and fostering a more "Schumpeterian" Europe. High-level speakers from institutions like the European Commission, IEA, OECD, and central banks will contribute.

Key takeaway

For policy analysts and executives tracking European strategic priorities, this agenda highlights the critical issues shaping the continent's future. You should prioritize monitoring discussions on climate policy, digital sovereignty, AI regulation, and economic security to anticipate regulatory shifts and market impacts. Engage with the insights from sessions on trade policy and banking resilience to inform your long-term strategic planning and risk assessments.

Key insights

The 2026 Bruegel Annual Meetings will convene experts to address Europe's multifaceted economic, policy, and social challenges.

Principles

• European policy autonomy and resilience are central themes.
• Balancing innovation with regulatory frameworks is a key concern.

Topics

• European Policy
• Climate Policy
• AI Regulation
• Digital Sovereignty
• Economic Security
• Trade Policy

Best for: Policy Maker, Executive, Consultant

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Bruegel | The Brussels-based economic think tank.