Programme 23rd of September

Sweden and Swedes in the EU – Time to Take a Seat Where Decisions are Made

Time: 11.20-12.00, Amfin

Despite 30 years of EU membership, Sweden remains underrepresented in the EU institutions. What does this mean for our influence – and how can we reverse the trend? In this discussion, we explore why Swedish expertise is needed in the EU administration, how it relates to Europe’s future challenges, and the opportunities an EU career can offer. You’ll also receive practical tips and guidance on how to take the first step toward a career in the EU.

Participants: Swedish Council for Higher Education, European Personnel Selection Office, among others.

Speakers

• Heike Gras, Deputy Head of Uni, European Personnel Selection Office

• Erik Rudal, Senior Adviser, Prime Minister’s Office

• Matilda Rotkirch, Minister Counsellor, Permanent Representation of Sweden to the EU

Moderator

Asia Riazantceva, Coordinator for EU recruitment, Swedish Council for Higher Education

A Stronger Europe in an Uncertain World – The EU’s Role in Future Security, Defence and Preparedness

Time: 13.00-13.45, Concert Hall

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, rising global tensions, and hybrid threats against critical infrastructure have rapidly reshaped the EU’s security and defence agenda. How can the EU strengthen its collective ability to respond to complex threats – while respecting national sovereignty?

This panel brings together representatives from European institutions, Swedish government and the defence industry to explore how Europe must act to meet the security challenges of tomorrow. The discussion will address issues such as EU defence cooperation, industrial preparedness, civilian and military resilience, and how Sweden can contribute strategically within the framework of the Union.

Participants

• Lars Danielsson, Senior Advisor at Lumo Advice, Member of EU Days Advisory Board
• Jan Joel Andersson, Political Advisor to the Minister of Defence
  
• Jonas Cederlöf, Europeiska kommissionen, GD DEFIS

Moderator

Malena Britz, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of Research at the Swedish Defence University.

EU Enlargement: Geopolitics, Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing World

Time: 13.00-13.45, Amfin

The war in Ukraine has put the European Union under great pressure and highlighted the need for both political cohesion and decisiveness. At the same time, changes in the United States’ global role during Donald Trump’s second term, along with other geopolitical tensions, have made it increasingly urgent for Europe to unite around a common and coherent strategy to address these global challenges.

EU enlargement appears to be an important geopolitical opportunity, but it also entails significant challenges. Economic costs, decision-making capacity, and differences in member states' political priorities are just some of the issues the Union must deal with. How can the EU balance its global ambitions with internal limitations such as economic resources and political fragmentation? And how can the Union simultaneously strengthen its credibility on the international stage?

Speakers

• Katarina Areskoug, Impact Europe, Member of EU Days Advisory Board
• Rikard Bengtsson, Senior Lecturer, Lund University
• Klara Lindström, Analyst, Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS)
• Peter Lundberg, Executive Director, Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

Moderator

Göran von Sydow, Director, SIEPS

EU Career Map Workshop: Navigating Careers in EU Institutions

Time: 13.00-13.45, Botulfshörnan

This workshop, titled "EU Career Map," aims to showcase the process of finding employment within the European Union institutions. It will provide a practical overview of the various entry paths, different types of roles available, and insights into the recruitment process and the realities of working in the EU system.

Facilitator

Amy Rockler, External Communication at EPSO

Unlocking the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link: Boosting Competitiveness and Innovation in a New Cross-Border Region

Time: 14.15-15.00, Concert Hall

In four years, the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link will be inaugurated. This will be a game changer, connecting Hamburg and northern Germany much closer to Copenhagen and Malmö-Lund-Skåne. How can we strengthen our common competitiveness regarding trade and business cooperation? How do we make this geography a European Hotspot for the Life Science sector, green investments, research and innovation? What issues do we need to address at the EU and national levels to fully utilize the potential of this new cross-border region? These are some of the questions we will discuss during this seminar.

Speakers

• European Commission: Head of Representation in Sweden Annika Wäppling Korzinek

• Region Skåne: Regional Development Director Anna Pettersson

• Life Science Nord (Hamburg/Schleswig-Holstein): Managing Director Oliver Schacht (via link)

• Medicon Valley Alliance: CEO Anette Steenberg

• HALRIC – Hanseatic Life Science Research Infrastructure Consortium (Interreg Project): Project Director Kajsa Paulsson, Lund University

• Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Southern Sweden – Area Manager for Policy, Ellen Dahl – also Task Force member of Fehmarnbelt Business Council

• STRING Secretariat – Managing Director Thomas Becker

Moderator

Carin Peters

Political Challenges for the EU’s Next Long-Term Budget

Time: 14.15-15.00, Amfin

Geopolitical challenges, security threats, climate and environmental crises, and upcoming enlargements are some of the factors that mean the EU's budget needs to be rethought. The goal of a free, democratic, strong, secure, prosperous, and competitive EU – as described in the European Parliament's resolutions, the European Commission's political guidelines, and the European Council's strategic agenda for 2024–2029 – must be achieved in a very challenging geopolitical environment. This requires a reformed and strengthened EU budget. Reaching an agreement on what should be financed – that is, the investment needs in the coming years – is a prerequisite for reaching an agreement on how the financing will be done, and both of these issues involve political challenges and priorities for the member states and the EU.

Political priorities, investment financing, and the size of the EU budget to meet tomorrow's challenges – what does Sweden want?

Speakers

• Heléne Fritzon, Member of the European Parliament (s/S&D)
• Johan Wullt, Head of Communication, European Commission Representation in Sweden
• Lena Ek, Former MEP and minister for the environment, Member of EU Days Advisory Board

Moderator

Maria Wetterstrand

Politikermat presents: EU bakom kulisserna (in Swedish)

Time: 14.15-15.00, Botulfshörnan

Vi får sällskap av Laura Ingemarsson, Klara-Lovisa Lundström och Clara Popenoe Thor från Instagramkontot Politikermat, som tar oss in i EU-bubblan ur ett nytt, annorlunda och lite yngre perspektiv.
Med skärpa, humor och en nypa satir guidar de oss genom vad som egentligen händer bakom stängda dörrar i Bryssel. Vem är den vildaste EU-parlamentarikern de har träffat? Vilka beslut har faktiskt fattats i år? Var hamnar festligheterna när parlamentet stänger för kvällen? Och hur låter en satirisk granskning av EU:s största makthavare?
Kom och lyssna på en helt unik inblick i EU från insidan.

Panel discussions

Time: 15.00-15.30, Concert Hall

Speakers

• Alexandra Ivanov Hökmark, deputy CEO Timbro
• Morgan Johansson, Member of Parliament and Vice-speaker for the Committee on Foreign Affairs

Moderator

Maria Wetterstrand

Evening Reception

Time: 15.30-16.30, In the Exhibition

A networking reception will be held with entertainment and refreshments.

Kristian Rimshult Trio

The musicians have their roots in Norrland, Stockholm and Skåne. The trio wants to create music that touches the listener with light and warmth with their joy of playing and dedication to music.