Economist Conferences – Greece
Bulgaria Business Summit
February 5th 2025 | Sofia Balkan Palace
The challenges facing Bulgaria in 2025
Bulgaria Business Summit
The challenges facing Bulgaria in 2025
Like much of the world, Bulgaria is braced for turbulence in 2025. The return of President Donald Trump to the White House will upend America’s relations with the European Union and with NATO and may disrupt the global economy. The EU’s enlargement plans, which include Bulgaria’s Balkan neighbours, are accelerating. Bulgaria’s government and industries must learn how to adapt to new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the green energy transition.
Join Economist Impact and Hazlis & Rivas for the Bulgaria Business Summit “The challenges facing Bulgaria in 2025”. This event, which is due to take place on February 5th 2025 in Sofia, Bulgaria, will bring together experts from politics, business, NGOs and academia to address Bulgaria’s priorities for 2025.
Register your interest today to secure your place.
Speakers
Nathaniel Copsey
British ambassador to Bulgaria
Nikolai Denkov
Former prime minister
Dominic Hamers
Executive director
Joan Hoey
Europe Consultant
Grozdan Karadzhov
Deputy prime minister, minister of transport and communications
Lubo Minchev
Founder and chief executive
Lilyana Pavlova
Former vice-president
Kiril Petkov
Former prime minister
Agenda
Registration and welcome coffee
Welcome remarks. The Economist’s forecast for Bulgaria and the region
Donald Trump’s return to the White House has already shaken up global geopolitics. How will the new president’s attitude towards Europe, and NATO, impact Bulgaria’s year ahead? How will Bulgaria’s economy weather the uncertainty Mr Trump’s return is sure to bring?
Joan Hoey, editor of the Democracy Index and Europe consultant, Economist Intelligence
Nathaniel Copsey, British ambassador to Bulgaria
Keynote address. Breakfast with Bulgaria’s president
Rumen Radev shares his insights into what Mr Trump’s new administration will mean for the EU and the Balkans. What other priorities should the EU have in 2025? And what role will Bulgaria play in any possible enlargement of the bloc?
Guest of honour and keynote speaker:
Rumen Radev, president, Bulgaria
Keynote address. Overcoming the digital divide
Technology is transforming economies and industries around the world. But unequal access to the internet, and to tools such as smartphones, can exclude some people from its advantages. This session will look at the role of connectivity and innovation in Bulgaria’s economy and how the country’s government and businesses are preparing to overcome the digital divide.
Grozdan Karadzhov, deputy prime minister, minister of transport and communications, Bulgaria
Panel. Re-shaping Bulgaria’s business landscape though transformative investment
In this panel experts will discuss which investments and key sectors, including mining and heavy industry, are critical for Bulgaria’s growth. What impact will strategic investments have on social and regional cohesion? How can southeastern Europe become more competitive?
Krassimir Stoitcheff, founder and chief executive, SOL Grids
Dominic Hamers, executive director, Geotechmin
Networking break
Introduction of The Economist World Ahead 2025 Table Quiz
Panel. Bulgaria and the green transition
Europe’s south-east is critical for the region’s energy security. But with climate change happening, and countries committing to reduce their carbon emissions, what does the transition to green and renewable energy mean for oil-and-gas exporters such as Bulgaria? This session will look at both the green transition and Bulgaria’s commitments to carbon neutrality. How should other businesses be incorporating sustainability into their strategies?
Lilyana Pavlova, former vice-president of the European Investment Bank
Teodor Radonov, head of the representative office in Bulgaria, EIB
The business response:
Lubo Minchev, founder and chief executive, Telelink
Interview. What former prime ministers see in Bulgaria’s future
The Economist in dialogue with former prime ministers of Bulgaria
Nikolai Denkov
Kiril Petkov
Sergei Stanishev
Winner of the The Economist World Ahead 2025 Table Quiz announced
Closing address. Bulgaria’s next steps
How can Bulgaria strengthen its position as a regional energy leader in 2025?
Keynote address:
Zhecho Stankov, minister of energy, Government of Bulgaria
Networking luncheon
Close of conference
Sponsors
Premium gold sponsor
Gold sponsor
Silver sponsor
Supporting organisation
Telecommunications provider
Logistics supplier
Supporter
Web development
Delegrate registration
Option A: Conference sessions
€1.800 tax/VAT excl.
- Full 3-day conference
- 3 networking luncheons
- Coffee breaks
Option B: Conference sessions and dinners
€2.200 tax/VAT excl.
- Full 3-day conference 3
- networking luncheons coffee breaks and cocktail receptions
- 2 Gala Dinners
Corporate table
€7.500 tax/VAT excl./ table (8 seats)
- This option includes participation of 8 persons at: full 3-day conference 3 networking luncheons coffee breaks
Venue
Escape in a haven of relaxation and grandeur by the azure of the sea, delve in the pleasures of luxury and experience the epitome of indulgence in the dreamiest island-like resort of the Athenian Riviera. Nuzzled in a 72-acre private peninsula in the Athenian Riviera with stunning views to the Saronic Gulf, the 5 star Grand Resort Lagonissi exceeds all expectations of a luxury sea front summer resort.
Grand Resort Lagonissi 40th km Athens Sounion, Lagonissi Attica, Athens
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