The Sixth Thessaloniki Metropolitan Summit

The conference chair will present The Economist’s perspective on European geopolitical, political, and economic developments and the impact they have on south-east Europe. Where do relations among the countries of the region stand, and how can the region strengthen its importance for Europe’s security and prosperity?

Alasdair Ross Countries editor, "The World Ahead 2027", The Economist

Fotis Kollias Director, Powergame.gr

What is the vision for Northern Greece today? What role can Northern Greece and the city of Thessaloniki play in a turbulent and unpredictable world, amid significant shifts in the wider neighbourhood?

Konstantinos Gioulekas Deputy minister of the interior for Macedonia and Thrace, Greece

Στέλιος Αγγελούδης Δήμαρχος Θεσσαλονίκης

Χρήστος Τσεντεμεΐδης Πρόεδρος, ΔΕΘ-HELEXPO

As the international order continues to evolve, Europe, the United States and Turkey have an important role to play in shaping a more secure, resilient and connected transatlantic space. How can the three partners deepen strategic cooperation on security, energy, connectivity and regional stability? What opportunities can be created through stronger political dialogue and economic cooperation, and how can Europe, the US and Turkey contribute together to a more stable and prosperous South-East Europe and wider region?

Egemen Bağış Former minister for European Affairs, Turkey

Ian Lesser Distinguished fellow, the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF)

Canada and Greece are deepening their economic relationship, creating new opportunities for Canadian investment across key sectors of the Greek economy. This discussion will explore the drivers of Canadian investment in Greece, the sectors offering the greatest potential and how Greece can further strengthen its position as an attractive destination for Canadian capital.

Sonya Thissen Ambassador of Canada to Greece

Dimitrios Skalkos General secretary for international economic affairs, Greece

Christos Balaskas Vice-president & country manager, Greece, Eldorado Gold

As Europe accelerates its energy transition, electricity is becoming the backbone of economic competitiveness, industrial decarbonisation and energy security. Achieving these objectives will require not only investment in modern grids and renewable energy, but also well-functioning electricity markets and consumer-focused policies that ensure affordable, reliable and accessible electricity for households and businesses. This session will explore the policies, market reforms and technological innovations needed to strengthen system resilience, foster competition, empower consumers and create a more flexible, sustainable and future-ready electricity market.

Γιώργος Καρακούσης Αναπληρωτής Διευθύνων Σύμβουλος Ομίλου – Εμπορία, ΔΕΗ

The discussion will focus on overcoming implementation barriers, enhancing execution and ensuring that infrastructure investments generate long-term economic resilience, sustainable growth and greater competitiveness for Greece. The Economist in dialogue with:

Dinos Benroubi Vice-chairman & chief executive, METKA ATE

The international order is undergoing a profound transformation. South-East Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean are becoming increasingly interconnected, serving as pivotal regions for energy security, trade, defence and global connectivity. This high-level discussion will explore the evolving regional architecture and examine how Europe, the United States and regional partners can strengthen cooperation to promote stability, resilience and prosperity.

George Gerapetritis Minister of foreign affairs, Greece

Oana-Silvia Țoiu Minister of foreign affairs, Romania

Investments in transport, energy and cross-border connectivity are reshaping South-East Europe, strengthening its role as a strategic gateway between Europe, the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. As Europe enters a new budget cycle, the “Regions 2030” agenda places regional development, investment and reform at the heart of the continent’s growth strategy. This high-level discussion will examine how Greece can maximise the opportunities presented by the new European budget to accelerate strategic infrastructure projects, modernise transport and electricity networks, close connectivity gaps and unlock investment across its regions.

Χρίστος Δήμας Υπουργός Υποδομών και Μεταφορών

Θανάσης Κοντογεώργης Deputy minister to the prime minister of Greece

George Pagoulatos Ambassador of Greece to the OECD

Corina Crețu Consul general of Romania in Thessaloniki, Greece

Marcel Cobuz Chair of the group executive committee, TITAN Group

This session will explore how strategic investments in transport, energy and critical infrastructure can strengthen regional connectivity, enhance economic competitiveness and position south-east Europe as a key gateway for Europe’s future growth.

Alexandros Exarchou Chairman and chief executive, AKTOR Group of Companies

Fotis Kollias Director, Powergame.gr

Λαλέλα Χρυσανθοπούλου Διευθύντρια σύνταξης, Powergame.gr και energygame.gr

The Vertical Energy Corridor is emerging as one of Europe’s most strategic energy initiatives, strengthening interconnectivity and diversification across south-east Europe by linking Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine and Serbia. Bringing together regional gas transmission and distribution leaders, this discussion will explore how resilient networks can strengthen security of supply, reduce dependence on single suppliers, enhance flexibility and support affordable energy. It will also examine the investments, regulatory frameworks and cross-border cooperation needed to accelerate infrastructure development and position the region as a pillar of Europe’s energy resilience and strategic autonomy.

Joshua Volz Special envoy for energy integration, US Department of Energy

Stavros Papastavrou Minister of environment and energy, Greece

Iva Petrova Minister of energy, Bulgaria

Sanja Božinovska Minister of energy, mining and mineral resources, North Macedonia

Artem Rybchenko Dep. Minister for Recovery, Infrastructure & Transport, Ukraine

Gianfranco Amoroso Chief executive, Enaon, head of international activities, Italgas

Maria Sferruzza Διευθύνουσα σύμβουλος, ΔΕΣΦΑ

How can Greece build a more resilient and efficient healthcare system while keeping pace with rapid advances in medical innovation? From strengthening the national health system and expanding digital health to improving prevention, primary care and access to innovative treatments, what reforms are needed to deliver better outcomes and greater value? How can Greece position itself as a hub for health innovation and investment in south-east Europe?

Adonis Georgiadis Minister of health, Greece

As the Recovery and Resilience Facility gradually draws to a close, Greece and the wider south-east European region are entering a new phase of growth, in which sustaining investment momentum will require the mobilisation of both public and private capital. Where will the financing for the region’s next chapter of growth come from and how can Greece strengthen its role as a hub for investment, energy, infrastructure and connectivity across south-east Europe? From EU and national funding to institutional capital, private investment and blended finance, what frameworks and incentives are needed to unlock new investment opportunities, accelerate innovation and productivity, and support the region’s long-term competitiveness? And what will it take to turn south-east Europe’s growing connectivity and strategic importance into a lasting investment advantage?

Nikos Papathanasis Alternate minister of economy and finance, Greece

Γιάννης Παπαχρήστου Εκτελεστικό Μέλος και Διευθύνων Σύμβουλος, Hellenic Growth Fund

Viorel Beltechi Chief executive, Therme Group China

Ondrej Safar Chief executive and chairman, Directorate of Distribuție Oltenia (DEO)

As artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital services accelerate at an unprecedented pace, data centres have become the critical infrastructure underpinning economic competitiveness, technological innovation and national security. South-East Europe is increasingly positioning itself as an emerging hub for digital infrastructure, attracting significant investments in data centres, connectivity and renewable energy solutions. This high-level discussion will explore how governments and industry leaders can create the right ecosystem to support the next generation of digital infrastructure, ensure energy resilience and cybersecurity and transform the region into a strategic gateway for Europe's digital economy.

Dimosthenis Anagnostopoulos SG, Information Systems & Digital Governance, Greece

Despoina Paliarouta Secretary-general of energy and mineral resources, Greece

Giorgos Pitsilis Governor, Independent Authority for Public Revenue, Greece

Yanna Andronopoulou General manager and chief executive, Microsoft Greece, Cyprus and Malta

Laura Bononcini Director of public policy for southern Europe, ΜΕΤΑ

George Kollidas Partner, consulting, head of technology, PwC Greece