Dialogue as the Cornerstone of Cooperation and Driver for Growth
The theme underlines the critical role of dialogue in European and global relationships, as well as in daily cooperation between business, government, administration, and the scientific community. For years, open, egalitarian and goal-oriented conversation has been the cornerstone of the European Economic Congress.
In times of increased geopolitical volatility and rapid economic change, dialogue becomes an indispensable tool in building understanding, developing joint solutions, and searching for a consensus. It allows us to verify our plans and interests and has a real impact on business, investment and political decisions made at the congress.
According to a survey by BCMM, commissioned by the PTWP Group, EEC is the most significant political and business event in Poland. It combines three realms, offering space for talks, promoting exchange of experience, and enabling strategic agreements. From business people, through academics, to decision-makers, all of different opinion and born to different generations, EEC welcomes everyone. Therefore, dialogue – understood as a process of co-creation – has been chosen as the natural and authentic symbol of the event.
The theme is also a reference to contemporary social trends that highlight openness, respect for diversity, and inclusion. Unity and competitiveness can thrive only when various voices have a chance to be heard – and the EEC provides them with a platform.
Poland, with its admission to G20, is also ambitious about dialogue, as its global presence enters a new chapter.
“Knowing how powerful it is, today we need dialogue more than ever. It is our dominant value, reflected in the mission of the congress, and defining all our actions and goals. We know there is a strong need to thoroughly discuss what we all have been witness to. Among the EEC guests, whose experience and unique perspective help shape the world of today, the conversations take on a truly special dimension. With that in mind, I invite you to come to Katowice in April,” says Wojciech Kuśpik, the president of the PTWP Group.
“The Power of Dialogue” and the Agenda of EEC 2026 – a Theme That Frames and Guides the Discussion
The theme of next year’s edition of the EEC, “the Power of Dialogue” naturally leads to the most important subjects that will be reflected in the agenda of 2026 European Economic Congress. Europe will be at the heart of the 18th edition of the congress. We will discuss how it has fared under the pressure of global tensions, as well as in its search of strength in
resilience, competitiveness, digital and energy transition, investments, and sustainable growth. We will also reflect on humans – their work, competencies, and role in the economy of tomorrow – and the relationship between local government, business, and society. Dialogue is a common stage of these processes, a tool for building cooperation, and a platform for finding workable solutions.
“The agenda of the congress is born out of dialogue with our stakeholders, as we carefully listen to recommendations of the Programme Council, EEC Members, and suggestions of other communities. EEC Trends, a conference providing a prologue to the congress, is equally important in terms of its contribution to the agenda of the EEC; its conclusions determine the main themes of the debate hosted in Katowice. With this approach, debates of the EEC address the actual needs of all the interested parties,” insists Wojciech Kuśpik, the president of the PTWP Group.
The 18th edition of the European Economic Congress will centre on the crucial processes determining the European reality: from global relationships and security, through investments, energy and digital transition, to social challenges.
Europe and Geopolitics
Debates of EEC 2026 will include the redefinition of relationships between the EU and global super powers, European solidarity, energy security, support for Ukraine, migration, defence, and the strategic role of Poland in the new geopolitical reality in the context of its admission to G20.
Sovereignty and Competitiveness
The participants will analyse the creation of technological and economic autonomy, diversification of supplies, the development of European industry, nearshoring, local value chains and innovations that are needed to maintain the continent's competitive edge.
Resilience and Security
The congress will host discussions on the adaptation to geopolitical and climate change, joint military policy, energy security, cyber threats, and resilient supply chains.
Energy, Transition, Investments
The experts will analyse the balance between ambitious climate goals and the pace of change, the role of renewable energy sources, nuclear power, energy storage, as well as the significance of large investments in infrastructure and technology for the competitiveness of European economies.
Digitalisation and Technologies of Tomorrow
Key technological trends, artificial intelligence, data-based economy, robotisation, cybersecurity and the development of the space industry –discussed from the perspective of the labour market of tomorrow – will be the focal point of the debate.
Human, Development, Balance
The congress will discuss the role of the human in transformation from the perspective of education, competencies, quality of life, public health, demographics, and migration. In this context, dialogue is a tool strengthening unity and promoting social resilience.
The 18th edition of the European Economic Congress will take place on 22-24 April, 2026, in the International Congress Centre and the Spodek Arena in Katowice.