The Europe Forum, Finland’s most significant event focusing on European policy, will be held for the ninth time in Turku on 26–28 August 2026. The three-day event brings together key influencers, experts, decision-makers, and citizens to explore questions concerning the future of Europe.
This year’s forum theme is “Values, innovation and security as the foundation of the EU’s success”.
“Europe has everything it needs to succeed – people, expertise and values. Now is the time to act”, says Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy.
In addition to Virkkunen, this year’s discussions on the future of Europe will feature, among others, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Patria CEO Panu Routila, Commander of the Finnish Navy, Rear Admiral Tuomas Tiilikainen, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Sari Multala, and Members of the European Parliament Li Andersson, Mika Aaltola, Pekka Toveri, Maria Ohisalo, Ville Niinistö, Sirpa Pietikäinen and Aura Salla.
Further expertise will be brought to the forum by Reijo Kemppinen, former Director of Communications at the European Council; Lassi Noponen, Director General of Business Finland; Timo Vuori, Director at the Confederation of Finnish Industries; Mika Salmi, Director General of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare; Hiski Haukkala, Director of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs; Kalle Kankaanpää, Ambassador for Arctic Affairs; Anna Karismo, Yle’s Europe correspondent; Tarja Haaranen, Director General at the Ministry of the Environment; and Ulla Müller, Director at the United Nations Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency UNFPA.
Speaker’s Corner at Hansatori Square on 27 August
On Wednesday 27 August from 14.00 to 17.00, a Speaker’s Corner discussion event will be held at Hansatori Square in Turku. The event brings citizens together to discuss current European issues in a direct and understandable way.
During the afternoon, the discussion will focus on values, democracy, the role of the media and security – while also giving space to young people’s views on the future of Europe.
“The upcoming Europe Forum is a test for Finnish political debate: Are we ready to discuss the concrete means by which we can build a strong and independent Europe that can cope amid global crises and guarantee a secure future for every generation”, says Pieta Päivänen, Chair of JEF Finland (Eurooppanuoret).
Relaxed Side Programme in Connection with the Europe Forum
This year, the Europe Forum will also introduce new, more relaxed and participatory content to complement the discussions on the main stages.
During the forum, the Prime Minister’s Office will organise short interview sessions of around 10 minutes on the foyer stage, focusing on current themes in Finland’s EU advocacy. These concise discussions offer a unique opportunity to hear experts’ views up close – the content will not be streamed and can only be experienced on site.
In addition, side programme open to everyone will be organised in connection with the forum, offering opportunities for networking, learning something new and enjoying a more relaxed atmosphere around European themes. On the opening day, the European Commission Representation in Finland invites participants to an EU-themed pub quiz at restaurant Arvo from 19.00 onwards.
The programme will be updated during the summer.
Registration for the Europe Forum Opens in Early August
The full three-day programme of the Europe Forum is now complete, and the programme outline has been published at www.europeforum.fi. It will be continuously updated during the summer. Young participants in particular are warmly encouraged to take part in the forum.
The event is free of charge and open to everyone. The programme can be followed at Turku City Theatre or live online at www.europeforum.fi. Registration for the Europe Forum will open in early August.
Set your course towards the future of Europe!
See the video: Welcome to Europe Forum 2026: https://www.youtube.com/
