On 27–29 August 2025, the eighth Europe Forum in Turku drew a record 1,200 decision-makers, experts, and citizens to Turku City Theatre. There were an additional 1,000 listeners at the public event on Hansatori Square, and the live broadcasts on the Europe Forum website and Yle Areena drew an audience of 13,200. The next Europe Forum will be held on 26–28 August 2026.
The event witnessed 46 high-quality programme contributions by 64 programme organisers and 170 speakers. Participants expressed particular concern for Europe’s role in the changing world order, and the event’s themes highlighted changes in the security policy environment, European competitiveness and the Union’s multiannual financial framework.
In particular, the Forum was a celebration of Finland’s 30th anniversary in the European Union. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo talked about the history and future of Finland’s membership in his speech:
“The most significant achievement of our journey in the EU is that we have fully integrated into the Union, that we are part of the discussions and are heard. Today, Finland truly punches above its weight. Alone, we would not make it far in this world that’s gone slightly mad. We have established ourselves as a respected member of the European Union, which is something that we should treasure. It’s even something we can be proud of,” says Orpo.
He encourages Finns to pay attention to what is happening in the EU.
“We are citizens and members of the European Union. That gives us significant added value. We can help set the direction for the Union, which is why Europe deserves at least some enthusiasm. Were we not European, our position as Russia’s neighbour would not be a comfortable one. So let us stay active.”
The Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Henna Virkkunen, took part in an interview at the Europe Forum on Finland’s transformation during its EU membership and the EU’s path towards 2050.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, was also interviewed on how EU membership has changed Finland and which direction the EU should take in the coming decades.
“What’s been most important for Finland about EU membership has definitely been the integration with the West and the European Union. It has, naturally, taken place gradually, but the way our businesses and citizens have become more international and mobile these past 30 years has been stunning. Today’s Finland is an integral part of Europe and that shows in so many different areas of our society,” says Virkkunen.
Matti Anttonen, Chairman of the Europe Forum in Turku association, is impressed by this year’s record audience.
“This year, Europe Forum brought together impressive discussions that helped to open minds about what are the most important themes for Europe’s future in a changing world order. Our record audience tells us that we have succeeded in reaching both veteran Europe Forum visitors and new participants. It is important that discussions about Europe remain public and open to everyone, as Europe’s future concerns all of us,” says Anttonen.
All Forum programme recordings available online
All Europe Forum programmes will become available as video recordings on the Forum’s YouTube channel.
Live stream recordings are already available as daily recordings, on the event live page.
