{"id":11985,"date":"2026-05-08T10:13:41","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T07:13:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/europeforum.fi\/?p=11985"},"modified":"2026-05-08T10:13:41","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T07:13:41","slug":"how-do-the-european-decisions-affect-our-everyday-lives-the-europe-forum-in-turku-invites-to-discuss-the-future-of-europe-in-august-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/europeforum.fi\/en\/blog\/2026\/05\/08\/how-do-the-european-decisions-affect-our-everyday-lives-the-europe-forum-in-turku-invites-to-discuss-the-future-of-europe-in-august-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"How do the European decisions affect our everyday lives? The Europe Forum in Turku invites to discuss the future of Europe in August 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">European security, economy, and democracy are undergoing major changes \u2013 and these are directly reflected in the people\u2019s everyday lives, for example in energy prices, changes to working life, and the sense of security. These issues will be explored at the ninth Europe Forum in Turku on 26\u201328 August 2026.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The\u00a0Forum will begin on Wednesday with a topical party leaders\u2019 panel, bringing together key political actors to discuss the direction of Europe just before the elections. The panel offers a rare opportunity to examine how European issues are linked to domestic politics and upcoming choices.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Europe Forum is a free discussion event open to everyone. It brings together a wide range of decision-makers, researchers, business leaders, media representatives,\u00a0and civil society actors in Turku.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cDecisions made within the framework of the European Union affect all of us Finns. It is worth coming along to listen\u00a0and also\u00a0to have a say in how our decision-makers handle these common issues,\u201d\u00a0says\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Matti Anttonen<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, Chair of\u00a0Eurooppa-foorumi\u00a0Turussa\u00a0ry.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What is currently discussed in Europe?<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The 2026 Europe Forum will be held, as in previous years, at Turku City Theatre. The programme includes, among other things, the traditional MEP panel. Over three days, 40 programme sessions and 150 speakers will address themes such as:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">European security and resilience, as well as the protection of democracy<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Competitiveness and innovation, as well as the economy and the future of work amid global transformations<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Clean energy and the green transition, which have a direct impact on everyday life and security of supply<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The role of media, information,\u00a0and European values in a changing operating environment<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The role of research and\u00a0expertise\u00a0in Europe\u2019s long-term success<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Forum will feature a wide range of Finnish and European influencers and decision-makers. Participants include\u00a0Finnish\u00a0Prime Minister\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Petteri Orpo<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Henna Virkkunen<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and Members of the European Parliament\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Li Andersson<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Maria Ohisalo<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Aura Salla<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sirpa Pietik\u00e4inen<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The discussion will also bring together key labour market and business representatives, including\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Minna Helle<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, Director General of the Confederation of Finnish Industries,\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Jarkko Eloranta<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, President of the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions\u00a0SAK, and\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Maria L\u00f6fgren<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, President of\u00a0Akava. Perspectives on security, the economy,\u00a0and geopolitical change will be provided, for example, by\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Harri Mikkola<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, Programme Director at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, and\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Aki Pihlaja<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, Critical Infrastructure Team Lead at the National Emergency Supply Agency.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Open discussion for all at\u00a0Hansatori\u00a0square<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Europe Forum\u2019s Speakers\u2019 Corner will fill\u00a0Hansatori\u00a0square in the Hansa\u00a0Shopping Centre\u00a0on Thursday 27 August 2026 with panel discussions, speeches,\u00a0and encounters. The programme is open to everyone and can be followed without advance registration from 14.00 to 17.00.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The discussions will feature, among others, Members of the European Parliament Li Andersson,\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ville Niinist\u00f6<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and Aura Salla,\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Rami Nieminen<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, Editor-in-Chief of Turun Sanomat, and\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Alma Jokinen<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, Finland\u2019s EU Youth Delegate from\u00a0Nuorisoala\u00a0ry. The moderator will be Professor\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Markku\u00a0Jokisipil\u00e4<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, Chair of the Schuman Society and Director of the Centre for Parliamentary Studies at the University of Turku.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The event offers an opportunity to gain a better understanding of Europe\u2019s direction \u2013 and to take part in the discussion on the choices that will shape the future.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The full preliminary programme and speakers of Speakers\u2019 Corner are available on the forum\u2019s website: <a href=\"https:\/\/europeforum.fi\/en\/speakers-corner\/\">Speakers&#8217; Corner &#8211; Europe Forum<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2>You can take part in the discussions on site or\u00a0via\u00a0the\u00a0live\u00a0broadcasts\u00a0online<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This year, the Europe Forum will once again feature contributions from\u00a0influential figures\u00a0and experts from various fields in Finland and elsewhere in Europe.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The programme will be supplemented and updated during the spring and summer. Read more at\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.europeforum.fi\/en\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">www.europeforum.fi\/en\/<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and join the discussion on site or online via the live broadcasts!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This year, too, the autumn season of politics and the economy\u00a0begins\u00a0in Turku.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">More information:<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.europeforum.fi\/en\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">www.europeforum.fi\/en\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Video: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=f8vDRL00g0c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Welcome to Europe Forum 2026<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>European security, economy, and democracy are undergoing major changes \u2013 and these are directly reflected in the people\u2019s everyday lives, for example in energy prices, changes to working life, and&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":11986,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[66],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-11985","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/europeforum.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11985","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/europeforum.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/europeforum.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/europeforum.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/europeforum.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11985"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/europeforum.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11985\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12017,"href":"https:\/\/europeforum.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11985\/revisions\/12017"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/europeforum.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11986"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/europeforum.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11985"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/europeforum.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11985"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/europeforum.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11985"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}