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 2026", 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?

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

Stelios Angeloudis Mayor of Thessaloniki

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.

Oana-Silvia Țoiu Minister of foreign affairs, Romania

Ian Lesser Vice-president & executive director, The German Marshall Fund of the US

Shlomo Ben Ami Former minister of foreign affairs, Israel, vice-president, Toledo International Centre for Peace (TICpax)

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, the Corridor is enhancing energy security, reducing dependence on single suppliers and creating new opportunities for regional cooperation and economic growth. This high-level discussion will explore the next steps towards expanding energy infrastructure, accelerating investments in cross-border connectivity and positioning the region as a key pillar of Europe’s energy resilience and strategic autonomy.

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

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

Gianfranco Amoroso Chief executive, Enaon, chief international operations officer, Italgas

This session will explore the future of US-south-east Europe’s relations, the importance of transatlantic cooperation and how the two countries can work with regional allies to address emerging geopolitical challenges and promote stability and prosperity across South-East Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.

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.

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.

Investments in railways, motorways and cross-border connectivity are reshaping South-East Europe, positioning the region as a vital gateway between Europe, the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. This high-level discussion will examine how governments and the European Union can accelerate the implementation of strategic infrastructure projects, electricity networks, close existing connectivity gaps and transform the region into a key hub for trade, mobility and economic integration.

George Pagoulatos Ambassador of Greece to the OECD

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.

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.

As the Recovery and Resilience Facility gradually draws to a close, Greece faces the challenge of sustaining investment momentum and accelerating long-term economic transformation. What financing instruments will underpin the country's next phase of growth? How can public and private capital be better mobilised to support productivity, innovation, infrastructure and regional development? From EU funding and national programmes to private investment and blended finance, what policy framework is needed to ensure that Greece remains an attractive destination for investment in the years ahead?

Nikos Papathanasis Alternate minister of national economy and finance, Greece

Tourism remains one of Greece's strongest economic pillars, but maintaining its global competitiveness requires a renewed focus on sustainability, infrastructure, connectivity and the overall visitor experience. This discussion will explore the policies and investments needed to strengthen the sector's long-term resilience, extend its contribution beyond the peak season and unlock new opportunities for growth through innovation, improved transport networks and strategic public-private collaboration.

As Europe faces an increasingly complex security environment, strengthening defence capabilities, resilience, and strategic partnerships has become a defining priority. This session will examine Greece's role in reinforcing regional stability, advancing European defence cooperation, and shaping a stronger, more secure Europe.