Finland’s EU membership will turn 30 in 2025. The anniversary year will be celebrated in Turku, on 27–29 August, when the Europe Forum brings together decision-makers, experts and citizens to discuss the future of Europe.
The eighth Europe Forum provides a comprehensive overview of the changes and challenges facing the European Union and its Member States. The theme for 2025 is “The world is changing – how does Europe respond?”
– Finland has been a member of the EU for 30 years at a time when the world has changed tremendously. Now we should stop and assess what we have achieved, and how the EU should respond to future challenges, says Matti Anttonen, chair of the Eurooppa Foorumi Turussa ry association.
– Europe is undergoing a transformation in which stability and cooperation are no longer self-evident. That is why we now need a stronger common direction, and Finland must be active in building it. The Europe Forum is the right place to hold these important discussions – openly, together and looking ahead, says Minna Arve, Mayor of Turku.
Four discussion modules in the programme
The Forum’s programme is built on four topical themes:
- Finland and the EU – 30 years together, heading for the future
- Sustainable Europe – socially and ecologically
- Security in transition – challenges and solutions
- Stability and prosperity – European economic direction
The discussions will focus on issues such as European security, competitiveness and the future EU financial framework. On stage, influencers from the national and EU level: ministers, MEPs, researchers, international experts and civil society actors.
One of the top guests will be the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Henna Virkkunen, who is responsible for technological sovereignty, security and democracy. Virkkunen will participate in the discussion on Europe’s digital future and competitiveness, among others.
The Europe Forum programme will be continuously updated on the website during the spring and summer.
The Europe Forum is open to all – on-site and online
The event is free and open to everyone. You can watch the programme at Turku City Theatre or live online. Young people, in particular, are offered opportunities to participate in discussions that bring EU policy close to everyday life.
– The Europe Forum brings the EU debate closer to people’s everyday lives and values. We want to provide a space in which different perspectives can meet and, together, perceive the Europe of the future, Anttonen sums up.
