The 15th edition of the European Forum for New Ideas (EFNI) will take place in Sopot from October 14–16, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, academics and international experts to discuss Europe’s position in an increasingly multipolar global economy.

Organized by the Lewiatan Confederation, the conference will focus on geopolitical change, European competitiveness, the growing influence of China and India, the expectations of the Global South, the war in the Middle East and the future reconstruction of Ukraine.

One of the central questions will be how the European Union should position itself as global power becomes more dispersed between the United States, China, Russia and emerging economies. Discussions will examine how the EU can strengthen its economic resilience, security and competitiveness while managing growing geopolitical risks.

“Europe’s economy is facing challenges that require a common response,” said Marek Górski, president of the Lewiatan Confederation. He said the forum would bring together perspectives from different EU countries to identify areas where closer cooperation between governments and employers is needed.

The growing economic and political influence of China and India will form another major strand of the program. Speakers will consider how the two countries are reshaping global trade and international relations, despite pursuing different development models and geopolitical ambitions.

EFNI will also look at Europe’s relationship with the so-called Global South and the changing international order. Discussions will explore how countries outside the traditional Western alliance system view Europe and what a future model of multilateral cooperation could look like.

The Middle East will feature prominently, with panels addressing the conflict’s consequences for security, global trade and the economy, as well as potential paths toward stabilization and the role Europe could play in the region.

Ukraine’s postwar future will be another key topic. Sessions will examine reconstruction plans, investment financing and the role of European companies, with debate extending beyond physical infrastructure to the development of a modern, green and digital Ukrainian economy more closely integrated with the European single market.

A discussion titled “Europe through the eyes of employers: How to restore competitiveness in a new reality?” will be moderated by Maciej Witucki, former president of Lewiatan and current president of BusinessEurope.

International guests announced for the forum include political scientist Yascha Mounk, former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark, former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta, Jeju Peace Institute president Kang Jeong-sik, Ukrainian philosopher and PEN Ukraine president Volodymyr Yermolenko, and Doha Forum CEO Maha Al Khouwairi.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk is scheduled to deliver the closing address.

EFNI 2026 will be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sopot from October 14–16. The event is organized by the Lewiatan Confederation, the City of Sopot and BusinessEurope.