Two days of intense debate at #IEPCon2026 come to an end with closing remarks by Johannes Pollak.
From 🇪🇺 democracy and defence to enlargement, competitiveness and global partnerships, we explored key challenges for Europe’s future.
Thank you to all panelists, partners & participants!

In our final panel at #IEPCon2026, Gisela Hohensee, Frederik Lange, Friedrich Heinemann & Nora Kürzdörfer discuss how the EU can boost competitiveness, close the innovation gap, implement the #DraghiReport & turn global partnerships into win-win relationships.

As the EU 🇪🇺 prepares for future #enlargement, institutional reform is high on the agenda.
At #IEPCon2026, Edgar Lenski, @chrishillion.bsky.social, Funda Tekin & Barbara Lippert discuss #QMV, differentiated integration, new forms of association – and if there's a requirement to rethink EU governance.

Day 2 of #IEPCon2026 begins with our Young Voices for Europe Breakfast! MA/PhD students & young professionals reflect on insights from the 1st conference day and exchange on the priorities they see as essential for the 🇪🇺 EU’s future with Frank Schimmelfennig, Chair of our Academic Advisory Board.

Day 1 of #IEPCon2026 brought academics, policymakers & think tankers together to explore how Europe can turn political strategies into action, strengthen #EU democracies and European defence. We wrapped up with our Book Slam 📚 but discussions continue over the evening reception! 🥂

🇪🇺’s security landscape has changed fundamentally.
At #IEPCon2026, Beata Hoppe, Julie Smith, @kristiraik.bsky.social & Juha Jokela discuss strategic priorities, how to strengthen the European pillar of #NATO, coalitions, the future of European deterrence and the operationalisation of #Article42.7 🛡️

Shortly after the election 🗳️ in #SaxonyAnhalt, Lena Düpont, @danielhegedus.bsky.social, Eva Heidbreder and Miriam Hartlapp explore how institutions and societies can respond to #Euroscepticism, polarisation and growing pressure on European democracy at national and EU levels. #IEPCon2026

At #IEPCon2026, our new president Armin Laschet set out challenges & opportunities for 🇪🇺, with a focus on 🇩🇪 role, in his opening keynote.
In the following High-level Conversation, Sebastian Fischer Frank Schimmelfennig & Funda Tekin explored how to move from political priorities to strategic action.

There is no shortage of strategies to strengthen European democracies, security and competitiveness but how can Europe deliver and successfully implement them?
That question is at the heart of this year’s #IEPCon2026, opening today with welcoming remarks by Justus Koch and Funda Tekin. Stay tuned!🇪🇺