Towards a sustainable European sovereignty

The European Union has been experiencing recurring geopolitical and economic disruptions for the past years, from the energy crisis following the war of aggression against Ukraine to the trade uncertainties of the second Trump mandate and now the new energy crisis prompted by the conflict between the US/Israel and Iran. The EU has also felt increasing pressure on key environmental, social and digital regulations, whether coming from the US or from conservative and far-right political groups relaying the interests of a few industrial lobbies.

This context highlights the importance of reclaiming a sustainable European sovereignty by breaking away from our fossil fuel dependence, protecting citizens’ and workers’ rights, and purposefully investing in economic activities fit for a healthy and climate-neutral future. The European Union must reaffirm the ambition of its project and its development model, rooted in social justice, climate and biodiversity protection, and fair digital innovation.

With the current EU legislative term dominated by deregulation and a narrow perspective on competitiveness, and a few days after the State of the Union in the European Parliament, the 2026 Policy Conference, led by FEPS, FES, and a consortium of partners, will be a call to action to define and advance an agenda for a European sovereignty that serves people and the planet.

The Policy Conference 2026 will take place on 30^th September and 1^st October 2026 in Brussels, bringing a programme of high-level debates, thematic sessions and networking opportunities. It will focus on key issues such as energy independence and affordability, the next Multiannual Financial Framework and quality jobs for the green and digital transition, with a diverse range of progressive policymakers, trade unionists, civil society representatives, and experts. The Policy Conference 2026 builds on two successful editions in 2024 (shaping the priorities for the new legislative term) and 2025 (on a clean, just, and competitive European industry).

This conference is organised by FEPS in partnership with FES, ETUC, IndustriAll Europe and Solidar.

More information to come. For inquiries regarding this event, please do not hesitate to contact Luis Sáez Jiménez, Project Officer (luis.saez@feps-europe.eu).