The Fifth Thessaloniki Metropolitan Summit

Alasdair Ross, countries editor, “The World Ahead 2025", The Economist

Alasdair Ross Countries editor

Europe and Britain in a multipolar world

The Ukraine war and Donald Trump's return to the White House are highly affecting the dynamics of the transatlantic co-operation. How should Europe's strategy in today's multipolar world evolve? And what should Britain’s role be within this framework? Is a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia possible?

Guest of honour and keynote speaker:

Boris Johnson, former prime minister of the United Kingdom

The business perspective on how the geopolitical developments affect global economy, shipping and trade

Evangelos Marinakis, founder and chairman, Capital Maritime & Trading Corp

Boris Johnson Former prime minister of the United Kingdom

Evangelos Marinakis Founder and chairman

The Economist’s conference chairperson will highlight the geopolitical and economic prospects for south-east Europe during an era of unpredictability. How could developments in the war in Ukraine, and in transatlantic relations affect the region?

Alasdair Ross, countries editor, “The World Ahead 2025", The Economist
Fotis Kollias, director, Powergame.gr

Alasdair Ross Countries editor

Fotis Kollias Director

Konstantinos Gioulekas, deputy minister of the interior, sector of Macedonia and Thrace, Government of Greece
Stelios Angeloudis, mayor of Thessaloniki

Konstantinos Gioulekas Deputy minister of the interior, sector of Macedonia and Thrace

Stelios Angeloudis Mayor

Greece has shown remarkable resilience in navigating the recent crises affecting the country and Europe more widely. In many ways it has emerged as a model of economic adjustment and reform. This session will explore the country’s economic turnaround and the challenges it still faces in improving sustainable development and inclusive prosperity.

The Economist in dialogue with:

Kyriakos Pierrakakis, minister of economy and finance, Government of Greece

Kyriakos Pierrakakis Director of research

From Israel's war in Gaza to long-running disputes between Greece and Turkey, the eastern Mediterranean region has long been destabilised by conflict. How can countries in the region co-operate to restore peace and mutual understanding?

Ehud Olmert, former prime minister of Israel
Dimitris Avramopoulos, former European commissioner for migration, home affairs and citizenship, former minister of foreign affairs of Greece

Ehud Olmert Former prime minister of Israel

Dimitris Avramopoulos Former European commissioner for migration, home affairs and citizenship and former minister of foreign affairs

Turkey's accession to the EU still faces great obstacles. This session will consider the current position of both sides and Turkey’s prospects of joining the bloc. It will also look at the role of Turkey’s defence industry within the geopolitical landscape of Europe and the Middle East.

The Economist in dialogue with:

Egemen Bağış, former minister for European Affairs, Turkey

Egemen Bağış Former minister for European Affairs

Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, geopolitical upheavals and America’s trade tariffs have upended the defence and security environment in Europe and the Mediterranean. What are the EU’s defence priorities? How is co-operation between America, the EU and other NATO members evolving? How is the ReArm Europe Plan changing the region’s defence strategy?

Florence Parly, former minister of the armed forces of France
Ben Wallace, former secretary of state for defence, United Kingdom
Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, former minister of national defence, former minister of migration and asylum, Greece

Florence Parly Former minister of the armed forces

Ben Wallace Former secretary of state for defence

This session will focus on current and future plans for investment in transport infrastructure in Greece and south-east Europe.

Christos Dimas, minister of infrastructure and transport, Government of Greece

The business response:
Alexandros Exarchou, chairman and chief executive, AKTOR Group of Companies 

Moderator:
Fotis Kollias, director, Powergame.gr

Christos Dimas Minister of infrastructure and transport

Alexandros Exarchou Chairman and chief executive

Fotis Kollias Director

How can transport and connectivity improve security and prosperity? This session will consider the EU’s transport priorities as well as northern Greece’s critical role in inter-regional connectivity.

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism

Apostolos Tzitzikostas European commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism

This discussion will explore best practices and policy reforms that can accelerate project delivery, improve efficiency and maximize the economic and social impact of infrastructure investments, which are vital for Greece’s growth and competitiveness.

The Economist in dialogue with:
Dinos Benroubi, vice-chairman & chief executive, METKA ATE

Dinos Benroubi Vice-chairman & chief executive

Greece and south-east Europe are emerging as a hub for health innovation and medical excellence. Investments in medical infrastructure, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and digital health solutions are generating innovation, jobs creation and growth. This session will highlight how the region can attract investments in health, foster stronger cross-border co-operation  and enhance resilience of healthcare systems.

Adonis Georgiadis, minister of health, Greece
Theodore Tryfon, president, PanHellenic Union of Pharmaceutical Industry (PEF), BoD member, Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV), BoD executive member, Medicines for Europe

Adonis Georgiadis Minister of health

Theodore Tryfon President, PanHellenic Union of Pharmaceutical Industry (PEF), BoD member, Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV), BoD executive member

This session will look at projects underway in the energy sector intended to fill gaps in the supply chains and improve Europe’s energy security.

Stavros Papastavrou, minister of environment and energy, Government of Greece
Josh Huck, chargé d’affaires, US Embassy in Athens
Georgi Samandov, deputy minister of energy, Bulgaria

The business response:
Dan Stratan, chief executive and founder, RCI Holding
Barbara Morgante, chief executive, Enaon
Maria Rita Galli, chief executive, DESFA

Stavros Papastavrou Minister of environment and energy

Josh Huck Chargé d’affaires

Georgi Samandov Deputy minister of energy

Dan Stratan Chief executive and founder

Barbara Morgante Chief executive

Maria Rita Galli Chief executive

This session will explore how investment in energy networks and renewable energy in Greece and south-east Europe can spur the energy transition and regional interconnectivity. The discussion will highlight how these initiatives can foster sustainable economic growth, attract investment and enhance European competitiveness. It will also identify which  strategic mining projects can ensure Europe’s long-term energy security.

Takis Theodorikakos, minister of development, Government of Greece
Yannis Maniatis, member, European Parliament, vice president, Party of European Socialists and Democrats (S&D), former minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change

Takis Theodorikakos Minister of development

Yannis Maniatis MEP, former minister, vice-president of the European Socialists for international relations, defence, and energy security

As the global economy undergoes rapid transformation, the twin challenges of ensuring secure access to natural resources and accelerating the energy transition remain critical. This session will focus on responsible resource management and the role of energy and natural resources in fostering economic development and long-term competitiveness.

Dimitris Fourlaris, vice-president, Regulatory Authority for Energy, Waste and Water
Alexandra Sdoukou, spokesperson, New Democracy
Agis Papadopoulos, chairman of the board, EYATH
Nikolas Farantouris, MEP, Budget, Environment, Security & Defence, US-EU Committees, Jean Monnet professor of EU Energy Law, member of the board, The Spinelli Group

Dimitris Fourlaris Vice-president

Alexandra Sdoukou Spokesperson

Agis Papadopoulos Chairman of the board

This session will explore the pivotal role of universities and academic institutions in shaping the future of Greece’s economy and society. Speakers will discuss how strong collaboration between academia, government and industry can drive competitiveness, attract investment and ensure sustainable development in an era of rapid technological and global change.

Sofia Zacharaki, minister of education, religious affairs and sports, Government of Greece
Gerasimos Siasos, rector, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, professor of cardiology

Sofia Zacharaki Minister of education, religious affairs and sports

Gerasimos Siasos Rector, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Professor of cardiology

The discussion will highlight the vital role of sports and football in particular, in attracting investment and enhancing Greece’s international profile. Opportunities for the country to position sports as a strategic pillar of sustainable growth and regional cooperation will also be discussed.

The Economist in dialogue with:

Chrysostomos Gkagkatsis, president, Hellenic Football Federation

Chrysostomos Gkagkatsis President

This panel will explore what investment opportunities Greece’s business community see as having the potential to contribute to the expansion of Greece’s economy. The discussion will also consider the challenges posed to entrepreneurship by Europe’s geopolitical landscape.

Nikos Papathanasis, alternate minister of national economy & finance, Government of Greece
Loukia Saranti, president, Federation of Industries of Greece (SVE)
Panagiotis Mourgos, managing director, TEXAN Environmental Management
Christos Balaskas, vice-president, commercial, growth and external relations, Eldorado Gold, president, Hellas Gold
Andreas Andreadis, chief executive & co-managing partner, Sani/Ikos Group

Nikos Papathanasis Alternate minister of economy and finance

Loukia Saranti President

Panagiotis Mourgos Managing director

Christos Balaskas Vice-president, commercial, growth and external relations, Eldorado Gold, President

Andreas Andreadis Chief executive & co-managing partner

The Greek Economy of 2030
Has Greece learnt from the mistakes that led to the prolonged economic crisis? Is its political system capable of supporting an economy shaped by the AI revolution? This session will explore the economic and political foundations upon which sustainable growth in the Greek economy can be built.

The Economist in dialogue with:
Alexis Tsipras, member of the Hellenic Parliament, former prime minister, Greece

Alexis Tsipras Member of the Hellenic Parliament, former prime minister, Greece