The 13th edition of the European Forum for New Ideas (EFNI) in 2024 was particularly significant as it preceded Poland’s upcoming presidency of the European Union and marked the 25th anniversary of the organizing body, Konfederacja Lewiatan. The forum was attended by top government officials, including the Prime Minister.

In his opening speech, Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlighted Poland’s economic success, crediting the spirit of Polish entrepreneurship for driving growth and making Poland a prime destination for investment. Finance Minister Andrzej Domański added that while Poland’s GDP grew the fastest among large EU countries in the second quarter of the year, the government's focus is on sustaining growth through investment, rather than just consumption.

Krzysztof Gawkowski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs, emphasized that during Poland’s EU presidency, the country would advocate for a European digital revolution and the development of new technologies. He noted, however, that Europe lags behind in this area, primarily due to overregulation stemming from complex legal processes.

Justice Minister Adam Bodnar warned of the dangers posed by right-wing populism, which, beyond slogans, seeks to reshape governance and institutions. He expressed concern about threats to women’s rights, minority rights, and the potential erosion of church-state relations.

During the event, Konfederacja Lewiatan Awards were presented to notable figures including Hanna Machińska, Leszek Balcerowicz, and others. The forum concluded with the adoption of the Sopot Declaration 2024, which called for bold, visionary actions for the EU’s future.

The event, held from October 16-18, attracted over 1,500 participants from various countries and featured over 100 panels and discussions involving political, economic, and business leaders.

(WBJ)