How do european decisions affect our everyday lives? Turku Europe Forum invites people to discuss Europe's future in August 2026
These topics will be explored at the ninth edition of the Europe Forum in Turku, taking place from August 2628, 2026.
Europe’s security, economy, and democracy are undergoing major transformation — and these changes are directly reflected in people’s everyday lives through issues such as energy prices, changes in working life, and the sense of security. These topics will be explored at the ninth edition of the Europe Forum in Turku, taking place from August 26-28, 2026.
The forum will begin on Wednesday with a timely party leaders’ panel discussion, bringing together key political actors to discuss the direction of Europe just ahead of the elections. The panel offers a rare opportunity to examine how European issues are connected to domestic politics and upcoming political choices.
The Europe Forum is an open and free public discussion event that gathers a broad group 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 to listen and also to influence how our decision-makers handle these shared matters, says Matti Anttonen, Chair of Europe Forum in Turku Association.
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What Is Europe Talking About Right Now?
The 2026 Europe Forum will once again be held at the Turku City Theatre. The program includes, among other things, the traditional Members of the European Parliament panel discussion. During the three-day event, 40 different sessions featuring 150 speakers will address topics such as:
- Europe’s security, crisis resilience, and the protection of democracy
- Competitiveness, innovation, the economy, and the future of work amid global transformations
- Clean energy and the green transition, which directly affect everyday life and security of supply
- The role of media, information, and European values in a changing operational environment
- The importance of research and expertise for Europe’s long-term success
The forum will feature a wide range of Finnish and European influencers and leaders. Participants include 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 include key labour market and business representatives, such as EK CEO Minna Helle, SAK President Jarkko Eloranta, and Akava President Maria Löfgren. Perspectives on security, the economy, and geopolitical transformation will be provided by experts including Harri Mikkola, Programme Director at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, and Aki Pihlaja, Team Leader for Critical Infrastructure at the National Emergency Supply Agency.
Open Discussions for Everyone Also at Hansatori
On Thursday, August 27, 2026, the Europe Forum Speakers’ Corner will fill Hansatori at Hansakortteli with panel discussions, speeches, and encounters that visitors can attend freely without prior registration from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Participants include Members of the European Parliament Li Andersson, Ville Niinistö, and Aura Salla, Editor-in-Chief of Turun Sanomat Rami Nieminen, and Finland’s EU Youth Delegate Alma Jokinen from the Finnish Youth Sector Alliance. The discussions will be moderated by Professor Markku Jokisipilä, Chair of the Board of the Schuman Society and Director of the Centre for Parliamentary Studies at the University of Turku.
The event offers an opportunity to better understand Europe’s direction — and to participate in the discussion about what kinds of choices will shape the future.
The full preliminary Speakers’ Corner program and list of speakers can be found on the forum’s website: Speakers’ Corner - Europe Forum.
Participate On-Site or Through Live Broadcasts
This year as well, the Europe Forum will feature speeches and discussions from influential figures and experts from Finland and across Europe.
The program will continue to expand and become more detailed throughout the spring and summer. Read more at www.europeforum.fi and join the discussion either in person or online via live broadcasts.
As in previous years, Finland’s political and economic autumn begins in Turku.