Exploring the intersection of technology, democracy, and strategic autonomy in Europe. From the environmental cost of green tech to the governance of AI and Europe’s place in the digital geopolitical race, this forum dives deep into the policy, ethics, and innovation shaping our digital future.
Join us for the fourth edition of the Techno-Politics Forum, a full-day event exploring the intersection of technology, democracy, and strategic autonomy in Europe. From the environmental cost of green tech to the governance of AI and Europe’s place in the digital geopolitical race, this forum dives deep into the policy, ethics, and innovation shaping our digital future.
Expect interactive debates, documentary insights, future-focused panels, and plenty of opportunities to engage. The day concludes with a networking Techno Apero.
12:00 – 12:30 Registration and welcome coffee
12:30 – 13:30 Book Launch + Documentary “Behind Batteries: The Hidden Cost of Green Mobility”
Organised with: IBM with involvement of Fuels Europe/Automotive industry
13:30 – 14:00 Opening remarks
Speakers: Ailbhe Finn, Executive Director, European Liberal Forum
MEP Brigitte Van Den Berg Board Member, European Liberal Forum
14:00 – 14:30 Keynote speeches
Topic: Strategic Autonomy in the Age of Digital Disruption
Exploring AI geopolitics, EU sovereignty, and a liberal vision for tech.
Speakers: Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President-designate, European Commission (TBC)
Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice & the Rule of Law (TBC)
14:30 – 15:15 Panel I – Governing Algorithms: Democracy and Trust in the AI Era
How can democracies ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in algorithmic governance?
Moderator: Ana Vasconcelos Martins, MEP, Renew Europe (TBC)
Speakers:
Svenja Hahn, MEP, Renew Europe (TBC)
Lucilla Sioli, Director, EU AI office (TBC)
Michael McNamara, MEP, European Parliament (TBC)
Julia Ebert, Head of Vodafone Institute, Vodafone (TBC)
Lorena Jaume-Palasí, The Ethical Tech Society (TBC)
Karine Caunes, Executive Director, CAIDP Europe (TBC)
Prof. Dr. Eleni Kosta, Professor of Technology Law and Human Rights (TBC)
15:15 – 15:30 Coffee Break
15:30 – 15:50 Keynote speech
Speaker: Dr. Jeffrey Ding, Researcher on AI & Global Order, Microsoft (TBC)
15:50 – 16:35 Panel II – The Rise of (Tech) Sovereignty and Geopolitics: Can Europe Compete?
Topic: Exploring Europe’s digital resilience through strategic investments, tech policy, and global competitiveness.
Moderator: Francesco Cappelletti, Advisor to MEP João Cotrim Figueiredo, European Parliament (TBC)
Speakers: Maxime Bureau, Head of Government Affairs, 3M Europe (TBC)
Richard Socher, CEO and Founder, you.com (TBC)
Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl, Director General, DIGITALEUROPE (TBC)
Davio Larnout, CEO, Superlinear (TBC)
16:35 – 16:45 Coffee Break
16:45 – 17:30 Interactive Open Dialogue – What Kind of Tech Future Do We Want?
A fireside chat format with audience engagement, addressing innovation, rights, and regulation in post-AI Act Europe.
Moderator: Ailbhe Finn, Executive Director, European Liberal Forum
Speakers: Michal Kobosko, MEP, Renew Europe (TBC)
Thierry Botter, Executive Director, European Quantum Industry Consortium (TBC)
Rotating audience participation (“empty chair” format)
17:30 – 18:15 Panel III – A Liberal Tech Agenda (2025–2030)
Topic: What’s next after the AI and Digital Services Acts? Balancing innovation and regulation for Europe’s digital future.
Moderator: Javier Espinoza, Journalist, Capital Forum (TBC)
Speakers: Bart Becks, European Innovation Council (TBC)
Prof. Rob Heyman, Professor, ULB and VUB (TBC)
Jeannette Baljeu, MEP, Renew Europe (TBC)
João Cotrim Figueiredo, MEP, Renew Europe (TBC)
Segolene Martin, CEO, Kantify (TBC)
Dr. Daniel Hulme, CEO and Founder, Satalia (TBC)
Paul Keller, Director of Policy, Open Future (TBC)
18:15 – 18:20 Closing remarks
MEP Jan-Christoph Oetjen, President, European Liberal Forum
18:15 – 21:00 TechnoApero
21:00 End of the Event