Securing Europe’s Digital Future.
Will Europe Lead or Fall Behind?

As the digital revolution continues to reshape industries and economies, Europe stands at a critical crossroads. Will it emerge as a global leader in the digital race, or risk falling behind major competitors such as the U.S. and China? This event will explore how Europe can secure its digital future by balancing innovation with global competitiveness, while upholding core values such as privacy and democracy. Artificial Intelligence (AI) serves as a prominent and current example of the challenges and opportunities within the broader digitalization debate. As AI advancements continue to accelerate, and with the AI Act moving toward implementation, the discussion will focus on whether Europe can lead in this evolving space or if it risks falling behind. AI’s impact on industries and society highlights the urgency for Europe to adapt quickly, while maintaining its high standards and core principles. Guided by Draghi’s warnings about Europe's potential decline, we will explore how Europe can cultivate an environment where technological innovation thrives without the burden of overregulation. The conversation will also consider how Europe’s soft values—privacy, democracy, and fairness—can be aligned with innovation and economic growth, helping to build trust in legal certainty across businesses and the public.  
  • Welcome & Moderation

    Dr Michal Boni

    SME Connect Special Advisor for Digitalisation & AI

  • Opening & Conclusion

    Jörgen Warborn MEP

    INTA, EMPL, ITRE, JURI Committees; President of SME Europe of the EPP; President of SME Global

  • KEYNOTES

    Till Klein (TBC)

    Head of Trustworthy AI at the Applied AI

    TBA

    AI Accelerator Programme Startup/SME

    Maarten Cleeren (tbc)

    Managing Director at Techleapnl

    Adam Bartha (TBC)

    Director at European Policy Information Center – EPICENTER

    Natascha Gerlach

    Director of Privacy Policy for the Center of Information Policy Leadership – CIPL

    Ayesha Bhatti

    Policy Analyst at ITIF Center for Data Innovation

    Dr. Jose Ignacio Torreblanca (tbc)

    Head of Madrid Office at European Council on Foreign Relations – ECFR

    Marco Pancini

    Head of EU Affairs at Meta

    Eva Maydell MEP (tbc)

    Committees ITRE, ECON; Board Member of SME Europe

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