Europe Forum Turku 2025: Highlights of the Opening Day Programme
There will be three days of public participation in this debate on the direction of Europe and Finland in a changing world.
The Europe Forum begins this Wednesday in Turku and will run until 29 August 2025. This three-day event will discuss the future of Europe under the theme: ‘The world is changing - how will Europe respond?’ The debates will focus on issues such as security, sustainability, the EU’s competitiveness, and Finland’s 30 years of EU membership.
The opening ceremony and other presentations can be viewed live by Livestream (in English)
The following presentations will be highlighted during this opening day:
Europe Forum’s Opening Ceremony - The Main Stage - 11:30 - 12:15
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- Matti Anttonen, Chair of the Europe Forum in Turku
- Marie Bjerre, Minister for European Affairs of Denmark, EU Presidency
- Piia Elo, Mayor of the City of Turku, Welcome Address
- Opening Speech: Antti Lindtman, Chair and MP of the Social Democratic Party (SDP)
(*) Programme language: Finnish, simultaneous interpretation into English
The World Is Changing - Can Europe Handle It? - The Main Stage - 12:30 - 13:15
Finland’s 30 years of EU membership have been marked by trade wars and crises. Europe has been at war, competitiveness has stagnated, trade is struggling, and artificial intelligence is destroying jobs. The common foundation of values is wavering, and some Member States are drifting away from the principles of a democratic rule of law. How will Europe face the future? How should we address challenges related to growth, security, the transformation of working life and democracy under pressure? And what role do labour market organisations play in solving these challenges? What can we do better together?
Panelists:
- Jarkko Eloranta, President, Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK)
- Jyri Häkämies, CEO, Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK)
- Maria Löfgren, President, Akava
- Antti Palola, President, STTK
- Erkki Liikanen, Chair of the Supervisory Board, first Finnish EU Commissioner and EU Ambassador
Moderator: Lotta Nymann-Lindegren, EU Director, Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK)
(*) Programme language: Finnish, simultaneous interpretation into English
Members of Parliament and the EU - Parliament’s Role in Finland’s EU Decision-Making 13:30 - 14:15 The Main Stage
At the start of Finland’s membership, the aim was to closely link Parliament to EU decision-making and avoid transferring power to the Government. Ultimately, Finland’s position on various EU legislative proposals is formed in Parliament as a decision of the Grand Committee. Parliament’s specialised committees also deal extensively with legislative proposals, so in practice all MPs participate in EU legislative work. Parliament’s strong role makes the Finnish system unique among Member States. What benefits does this bring to Finland? How has the management of EU affairs in Parliament changed during 30 years of membership, as EU matters have become part of MPs’ daily work? How does cooperation between Government and Parliament function, and how have practices evolved? How should the Finnish system develop to meet the needs of the coming decades?
Panelists:
- Matti Vanhanen, Councillor of State, former Prime Minister
- Heidi Hautala, former Member of the European Parliament, Minister and MP
- Saara-Sofia Sirén, Chair of the Grand Committee of Parliament
- Markku Keinänen, former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Finland to the EU (2021-24)
- Jukka Snell, Professor of Law, University of Turku
Moderator: Kirsi Pimiä, Parliamentary Ombudsman
Programme language: Finnish, simultaneous interpretation into English
Europe’s Strengthening Defence 14:30 - 15:15 The Main Stage
Europe’s security situation has changed significantly and for the long term since Russia’s war of aggression. The new operating environment has forced a reassessment of fundamental defence issues, including the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defence. What new challenges do Member States face, both in the EU and NATO? What practical measures will ensure strong European defence capacity and industry?
Panelists:
- Olli Ruutu, Director General, Head of Resource Policy Department, Ministry of Defence
- Karoliina Honkanen, Defence Counsellor, Head of Defence Cooperation Unit, Ministry of Defence
Moderator: Nuutti Kiiveri, Communications Specialist, Ministry of Defence
Programme language: Finnish, simultaneous interpretation into English
Finland’s Path to the European Union 15:30 - 16:15 The Main Stage
Professor Louis Clerc and Erkki Liikanen, former Governor of the Bank of Finland, Finland’s first EU Commissioner and Ambassador to the EU, will discuss Finland’s path to EU accession and how it marked a historic turning point in the country’s international position. The discussion will focus on the history book covering 1982-1994 currently being prepared by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and will also reflect on the significance of EU membership for Finland today.
Speakers:
- Erkki Liikanen, first Finnish EU Commissioner and EU Ambassador, former Governor of the Bank of Finland
- Louis Clerc, Professor of Political History, University of Turku
Programme language: Finnish, simultaneous interpretation into English
Healthy Women, Healthier Societies: Responding to Women’s Health Gaps for Sustainable Europe 15:30 - 16:15 The Nook
Organised by Business Turku
Women’s health is both a matter of equality and an economic opportunity. In this discussion, experts from Women’s Health Hub Finland explore how research and innovation can address women’s specific health needs and contribute to building a more sustainable Europe.
Panelists:
- Tomi Penttilä, Managing Director, Bayer Finland
- Nina Ekholm-Wenberg, Chair of Pharma Industry Finland, Chair of Johnson & Johnson
- Ville Niinistö, Member of the European Parliament (Green/EFA, The Greens)
Moderator: Minna Arve, CEO, Business Turku Oy
Programme language: English
Turku Climate Forum- The Little Stage - 15:30 - 17:00
The theme of this year’s Turku Climate Forum is cooperation and European leadership. What kind of new cooperation is needed for Turku, Finland and Europe to achieve their climate goals and move towards a greener future? How do the EU’s climate objectives and local cooperation respond to this challenge?
A total of 46 companies and organisations in Turku have committed to achieving the city’s carbon neutrality by 2029 as part of the EU’s climate mission. The forum will also hear their perspectives.
The event will address:
- How can we achieve climate goals together?
- How can climate action strengthen vitality while also delivering sustainable wellbeing for the city?
Speakers:
- Sari Multala, Minister of the Environment and Climate (video)
- Juhani Damski, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment
- Piia Elo, Mayor of Turku
- Li Andersson, Member of the European Parliament (The Left)
- Jyri Seppälä, Director, Finnish Environment Institute, Chair of the Finnish Climate Panel
- Risto Veivo, Climate Director, City of Turku
- Jyri Arponen, Regional Director, Regional Council of Southwest Finland
- Paula Marjamaa, Sustainability Expert, Veritas Pension Insurance
- Tuomas Heikkinen, Chief of Staff, City of Turku
Moderator: Anna Ståhle, No Drama
After the event, participants of the Turku Climate Forum are welcome to a cocktail reception in the lobby from 17:00 to 18:00.
Programme language: Finnish, simultaneous interpretation into English