Europe Forum 2025 in Turku: 30 years of Finland in the EU, security, sustainability, competitiveness and democracy
For three days, Turku becomes Finland's town square for Europe. The Europe Forum opened Wednesday, August 27, and will run through Friday, August 29.
It's public, it's participatory, and much of the Main Stage is in Finnish (with simultaneous English interpretation)
Under the title "The world is changing - how will Europe respond?" the Europe Forum 2025 began in Turku. The event, which runs until Friday, brings together citizens to discuss issues such as security, sustainability, the EU’s competitiveness, and, on this occasion, also marks the 30th anniversary of Finland’s EU membership.
In this context, the event opened with speeches by Matti Anttonen, Chair of the Europe Forum in Turku, who welcomed participants to the Forum. After a video greeting from Marie Bjerre, Minister for European Affairs of Denmark and representing the EU Presidency, the floor was given to Piia Elo, Mayor of the City of Turku. She recalled where she was in 1995 when Finland joined the European Union, reflecting on how European identity has grown over these 30 years, and how today young Finns see themselves as EU citizens.
She also highlighted the importance of addressing climate change, especially in Turku, which will celebrate its 800th anniversary in 2029, while continuing to emphasise education, innovation, security, and the green transition.
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Finally, the Opening Speech was delivered by Antti Lindtman, Chair and MP of the Social Democratic Party, who underlined how Finland’s 30 years in the EU have led to deeper integration of the country’s economy into Europe.
He stressed how Russia’s war against Ukraine has brought Europe closer together, and he called for further promotion of Green Energy through concrete solutions and actions.
The World Is Changing - Can Europe Handle It?
This was the first panel of the day, where participants analysed the main challenges facing both Finland and Europe in responding to the changes we are experiencing in the political, economic, and climate spheres.
Debate focused on the voices from labor and industry, with participation of SAK, EK, Akava, STTK and Erkki Liikanen, Finland’s first EU Commissioner, to tackle growth, security, AI disruption, and the rule of law.
Maria Löfgren, President of Akava, stressed the importance of safeguarding democracy, respecting the law, and maintaining peace in order to preserve scientific research, analysis, and studies. She noted, the changes in the world affect the EU, Finland, and represent a challenge for all.
The rest of the day featured conversation into how Finland’s grand committee keeps MPs at the center of EU decision-making; the redrawn security in Europe caused by Russia’s war; a detailed review about Finland’s path into the EU—and what 30 years of membership mean today.
One day gone. Two more to go. One debate: Europe’s next chapter—from security to sustainability, competitiveness to democracy.
The other presentations of the opening day included:
- How to minimize the harm of environmental toxins to nature, people and the circular economy?
- Members of Parliament and the EU - The role of Parliament in Finland’s EU decision-making
- European energy security and Russia
- European security, energy transition, jobs and environmental values ​​- Where to find a compromise?
- Circular Nutrients for Sustainable Supply and Energy Independence
- Strengthening European defence
- Consular Corps in Finland Association 100 Years - Cultural and Economic Diplomacy and Cooperation
- Finland’s path to the European Union
- Turku Climate Forum
