30th Annual Government Roundtable

This session will examine how US and European defence strategies are adapting to new threats, the role of NATO and regional alliances. In addition, discussions will cover challenges of balancing deterrence, diplomacy and cooperation. High level officials will discuss the implications for regional stability, technological modernization and the future of US-European security partnerships in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. The Economist in dialogue with:

Nikos Dendias Minister of national defence, Greece

Daniel Franklin Executive editor and senior editor, Britain, The Economist

The Economist in dialogue with:

Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu Secretary-general, OSCE

Daniel Franklin Executive editor and senior editor, Britain, The Economist

This session will examine the geopolitical fronts currently commanding the attention of the international community by analysing the strategic interests of key regional and global actors. It will also explore foreign-policy initiatives by highlighting the evolving dynamic and the potential flashpoints that could impact stability.

George Gerapetritis Minister of foreign affairs, Greece

Joan Hoey Europe consultant, EIU

Ongoing armed conflicts, humanitarian emergencies and economic hardships continue to affect many countries in the European neighborhood. These challenges have fuelled instability and dire living conditions, often leading to migration and further violence. This session will explore ways in which the EU and its member states can work together with regional governments and civil society in order to address the root causes of migration. Specifically, how can policies be adopted which support greater economic opportunities, particularly for young people? How can the EU better deliver humanitarian and development assistance? Lastly, how can the EU use its influence to promote the European values of human rights and human dignity with regional governments whose policies can contradict these values?

Thanos Plevris Minister of migration and asylum, Greece

Dmytro Lubinets Ukrainian parliament commissioner for human rights (Ombudsman)

John Dautzenberg Former White House official, founder, JPD Global Advisors

Stefan Kraus Chief operating officer, Henley & Partners

Alasdair Ross Countries editor, "The World Ahead 2026", The Economist

At a moment where we bear witness to a ceasefire in the Middle East trying to be maintained and the persistence of the war in Ukraine with fragile prospects for peace and stability, the durability of multilateral institutions and the coherence of global governance are under renewed scrutiny. At the same time, a new landscape has emerged for energy security and efficiency with exploration projects, new corridors and new partnerships creating a strong momentum for the energy sector in south-east Europe and the eastern Mediterranean. Is the world entering a more volatile era?

Geoffrey Pyatt Senior managing director, McLarty Associates

Sameh Shoukry Former minister of foreign affairs, Egypt

Hryhoriy Nemyria First deputy chairman, Foreign Affairs Committee, Parliament of Ukraine

Domagoj Juričić Former chief of staff to the president of Croatia, MKPS, Croatia

Daniel Franklin Executive editor and senior editor, Britain, The Economist

A distinguished 15-year-old secondary school student, actively engaged in international research initiatives, presents his vision for space exploration and his goal of combining medicine with astrophysics through the use of AI. An interview with The Economist:

Viktoras Giannikopoulos Ηigh-school student, Pierce – The American College of Greece

Daniel Franklin Executive editor and senior editor, Britain, The Economist

This session will explore the complex dynamics between Greece and Turkey within the broader geopolitical context. In a rapidly evolving international landscape, transatlantic relations are being tested in ways that challenge the foundations of the long-standing alliance between Europe and the United States. How does this new environment work for Europe’s relations with powers such as China and Turkey? What are the risks and what are the opportunities in this complicated interaction?

Abdullah Gül Former president of Turkey

Charles Michel Former president of the European Council

Dora Bakoyannis MP, chair, Parliamentary Standing Committee on National Defence and Foreign Affairs

Joan Hoey Europe consultant, EIU

South-east Europe and the eastern Mediterranean are increasingly in the spotlight of the global discussion on energy due to their strategic location and the significant projects in which they are involved. The session will examine how the countries in the region can strengthen co-operation with each other for the benefit of Europe's energy security and their own prosperity amidst major geopolitical challenges.

Stavros Papastavrou Minister of environment and energy, Greece

Iva Petrova Minister of energy, Bulgaria

Michael Damianos Minister of energy, commerce and industry, Cyprus

Dorin Junghietu Minister of energy, Moldova

Osama Mobarez Secretary-general, East Mediterranean Gas Forum

Alasdair Ross Countries editor, "The World Ahead 2026", The Economist

While climate co-operation is declining amidst geopolitical fragmentation, technology is increasingly offering new opportunities for sufficient and clean energy. How can we tap into these opportunities? What are the most radical solutions to tackle the climate crisis and, at the same time, make energy cheaper? Should hydrocarbons continue to play a role? How can we promote the idea of energy democracy?

Frans Timmermans Former executive vice president of the European Commission

Nikos Tsafos Deputy minister of energy, Greece

Artem Rybchenko Deputy minister for communities and territories development, Ukraine (via connection)

Kristian Ruby Secretary-general, Eurelectric

Emmanuel Brutin Director general, NuclearEurope

Manos Manousakis Chairman & chief executive, IPTO

Christina Tarnanidou Associate professor, AUEB, senior partner, Sardelas Petsa Law Firm

Andreas Papandreou Professor, NKUA, co-chair, UN SDSN Greece

Joan Hoey Europe consultant, EIU

The author of “AI or die” will take part in an open discussion on the synergy between quantum computing and artificial intelligence and how they will be shaping the world’s future. The Economist in dialogue with:

Jack D. Hidary Chief executive, SandboxAQ

Daniel Franklin Executive editor and senior editor, Britain, The Economist

Highly volatile geopolitical environments. Nonlinear political dynamics, where small events can trigger major consequences. Situations in which multiple narratives coexist. Just as in quantum physics, more and more often, political results are impossible to predict with certainty. What does this imply for our world today? The Economist in dialogue with:

Armen Sarkissian Former president and prime minister, Armenia

Daniel Franklin Executive editor and senior editor, Britain, The Economist

Guests of honour and keynote speakers:

Kyriakos Mitsotakis Prime minister of Greece

Roberta Metsola President of the European Parliament

Daniel Franklin Executive editor and senior editor, Britain, The Economist

As the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility gradually winds down, what do government policies, capital markets and business developments reveal about the outlook for the global economy? Is Greece prepared to leverage its own resources and domestic capabilities to sustain long-term growth?

Boris Vujčić Vice-president, European Central Bank

Yannis Stournaras Governor, Bank of Greece

Pavlos Mylonas Chief executive, NBG Group

Alasdair Ross Countries editor, "The World Ahead 2026", The Economist

Disruptions in trade, persistent challenges in geopolitical hotspots, technological upheavals, and volatility in financial markets are shaping a complex global environment. Against this backdrop, this session will examine trends in the investment sector, highlighting both potential risks and emerging opportunities.

Alexander Poulev Deputy prime minister and minister of economy, investment and industry, Bulgaria

Harry Theoharis Deputy minister of foreign affairs, Greece

Dmytro Natalukha Chairman, State Property Fund of Ukraine

Lampros Papakonstantinou Chairman, IDEAL Holdings

Yiannis Sifakis Chief commercial officer, Tiresias

John Georgoulas Non-executive director, ECOMMBX

Joan Hoey Europe consultant, EIU

The fiscal regime is a key factor shaping business dynamics, with the tax framework having a catalytic effect on business operations. This session will elaborate on the prospects for business activity in Greece, highlighting both the progress achieved and the remaining room for improvement in the country’s public finances.

Michael Arghyrou Head, prime minister’s economic affairs office, Greece

Joong Shik Kang Mission chief for Greece, IMF

Robert Blotevogel Country team co-ordinator for Greece, ESM

Theoni Alampasi Secretary general, Ministry of National Economy and Finance, Greece

John Papageorgiou Journalist, EU affairs reporter Athens Municipal Radio

Increasing borrowing for public investment or strengthening competition for more efficient markets? The session that follows examines Europe’s subdued growth performance compared with the United States and China, exploring the appropriate policy mix to unlock the euro zone’s potential.

Peter Bofinger Εconomist, former member of the German Council of Economic Experts

Gikas Hardouvelis Chairman of the board of directors, National Bank of Greece

Alasdair Ross Countries editor, "The World Ahead 2026", The Economist

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, humanoid systems are beginning to reshape human relationships, the workplace and self-knowledge. How will the future of work evolve and how will our path toward self-awareness be affected? Above all, what does it mean to remain human in this AI-driven world?

Most Reverend Anthimos Metropolitan of Alexandroupolis, Traianoupolis and Samothrace

Theofanis Tasis Professor of information philosophy and digital humanism, Ionian University

Ameca The world’s leading social humanoid robot

Daniel Franklin Executive editor and senior editor, Britain, The Economist

Fani Papageorgiou Editor, Money Talks newsletter, The Economist

Greece is considered the historical birthplace of the Western model of education. The disruptions brought by AI also affect how future generations will access knowledge. What are the opportunities—and the pitfalls—for education in the age of ChatGPT?

Tom Duff Gordon Vice president and head of EMEA Policy, OpenAI

Dan Stratan Chief executive and founder, RCI Holding

Joan Hoey Europe consultant, EIU

Europe is seeking to strengthen its competitiveness in AI and digital innovation, as the US-China race for technological supremacy accelerates. This session will explore both the opportunities that agentic AI presents for growth and innovation, and the challenges it poses for regulation, ethics and strategic competition.

Dimosthenis Anagnostopoulos Secretary general for information systems and digital governance, Ministry of Digital Governance, Greece

Ivan Vasilev Minister of innovation and digital transformation, Bulgaria

Iwona Sikora Senior vice president and general manager, EMEA, Iron Mountain

Georgios Sioufas Managing partner and founder, Sioufas & Associates law firm

Thanasis Navrozoglou President & chief executive, Natech Banking Solutions

Paul Meeks Managing Director, Freedom Capital Markets

Alasdair Ross Countries editor, "The World Ahead 2026", The Economist

Beyond fiscal consolidation, Greece has undertaken a broad range of structural reforms aimed at strengthening competitiveness and fostering sustainable economic growth. How has the Greek economy evolved in terms of attracting investment?

Ioannis Tsakiris Vice-president, EIB

Giorgos Pitsilis Governor, Independent Authority for Public Revenue, Greece

George Pagoulatos Ambassador of Greece to the OECD

Colin Ellis Head of economic research, Moody’s Analytics

Joan Hoey Europe consultant, EIU

This session will focus on pharmaceutical innovation as a driver of the long-term sustainability of healthcare systems—improving patient outcomes while strengthening financial resilience. The discussion will also examine Greece’s competitive position within the European landscape, focusing on the reforms, investments and public–private partnerships required to build an innovation-driven and sustainable healthcare ecosystem.

Adonis Georgiadis Minister of health, Greece

Sotiris Vandoros Professor, University College London, adjunct professor, Harvard University

Kavita Patel Managing director, Greece and Cyprus, Roche Hellas

Joan Hoey Europe consultant, EIU

As the EU advances new regulatory and procurement policies, stakeholders are reassessing how public purchasing mechanisms, industrial policy, and supply chain resilience can better support patient access and health security. This session will explore how Europe can successfully transition from traditional procurement approaches to a more strategic framework that strengthens autonomy, resilience, and medicine security across the continent.

Marios Themistocleous Deputy minister of health, Greece

Dimitris Demos President & chief executive, DEMO SA

Alasdair Ross Countries editor, "The World Ahead 2026", The Economist

Breakthroughs in medicine, biotechnology, and digital health are transforming the way we live longer and healthier lives. Experts will discuss how cutting-edge therapies, preventive strategies, and the integration of AI and data analytics are reshaping healthcare systems and well-being worldwide.

Robert Hanea Founder and chief executive, Therme Group

Evelyne Bischof Μedical director, Sheba Longevity Center, president, Healthy Longevity Medicine Society

Pelayo Cortina Koplowitz Founder and chief executive, Oakmond

Noah Molinski Founder and chief executive, Von Ardenne Health

Daniel Franklin Executive editor and senior editor, Britain, The Economist

While protests labelled as “Gen Z protests” are spreading around the world, there is much debate with regard to the perspectives of this generation: What does actually Gen Z tend to believe in areas such as work, technology, social connections, the environment and democracy? How could these beliefs reshape our societies?

Elisabeth Kelan Professor of leadership and organisation, King’s College London

Elita Sfakiotaki Lawyer, legal policy adviser at Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance

Thanos Georgoutzos Founder and executive director, WeSolve Think Tank

Sophia Nikolova Co-founder and chief executive, BioBliss

Fani Papageorgiou Editor, Money Talks newsletter, The Economist