The future of Europe front and centre at the ‘Eastern Davos’
The 29th Economic Forum in the Polish resort town of Krynica will take place on September 3 – 5, with the motto “Europe of Tomorrow. ‘Strong’ meaning what?
This year the conference will be devoted to the future of Europe and the challenges that European governments will face in the next decade.
The economic forum has been held annually since 1991. During this time, it has become a traditional meeting place for the political, economic, and academic elite of Central and Eastern Europe. This year, the organisers expect more than 5,000 participants from all over Europe.
The forum, nicknamed the “Eastern Davos,” regularly involves heads of state, government delegations and representatives of big business. Topics discussed include economics and business, international politics, security and energy.
“For a long time, Europe has not been able to deal with its internal problems, above all Brexit… In global politics, we can see unfold the US-China trade war and mounting tensions between the United States and Iran. These are incidents that may have a huge impact on world politics and economy in near future, and their consequences may endure for years,” says Zygmunt Berdychowski, founder and chairman of the programme council of the forum.
He notes that only by speaking in a common voice can Europe show its strength.
“Only a united, shared vision of the future, respecful of individiual historical experiences and interests, can secure strength and competitive advantage that Europe needs to count as a superpower. Egoism will get us nowhere in the end. Although economically strong, Europe is ageing fast and risks falling out of the race,” adds Berdychowsky.
The programme of this year’s forum will include plenary sessions, as well as more than 200 panel discussions organised in several thematic areas.
Every year the forum gives a Person of the Year award. In 2018, it was given to the Prime Minister of Lithuania Saulius Skvernelis.
In 2005, the Person of the Year was the President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili. Others honoured with this title include former presidents of Poland and the Czech Republic Lech Walesa and Vaclav Havel, Pope John Paul II, as well as presidents and prime ministers of several Central and Eastern European countries.
And in 2012, Mikheil Saakashvili spoke at the forum as an honoured guest.
The next president of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili, also visited Krynica in the same capacityin 2017. The President of Georgia was awarded a special forum award. In his speech, he noted the unchanged course of Georgia towards European integration.
And in May 2018, the forum in Krynica held its meeting in Tbilisi, and Polish President Andrzej Duda participated in it.
“The Krynica Economic Forum as a brand is known throughout Europe and even further beyond. Every year we arrange the program in such a way that its diversity gives a chance for inviting wide range of guests. Preparations for this year’s edition started very early. All thanks to very ambitious plans and first attempts at the 2020 edition, which will be the thirtieth in history,” said Kinga Redlowska, director of the forum’s programmes.
The conference agenda includes many questions concerning the most acute problems and challenges facing Poland and Europe.
Much attention will be paid to new communication tools, advanced technologies, migration and international security.
JAMnews is the official media partner of the 29th Economic Forum in Krynica. For information about the forum, see the forum website www.forum-ekonomiczne.pl
