Bled Strategic Forum is proud to have been a strategic partner of the first edition of the “European Conclave,” an annual strategic gathering.
The Conclave, a gathering of 46 European leaders, has released a groundbreaking report titled “Europe 2040: Tomorrow is today,” aimed at guiding the European Union towards proactive global leadership. The report, born from transdisciplinary and transpartisan dialogues in Portugal in November 2023, emphasizes the need for Europe to transition from crisis reaction to strategic foresight.
Europe’s unique position between superpowers necessitates a paradigm shift towards proactive engagement. The report identifies four priority areas: Geopolitics, Science and Technology, Development Model, and Democracy, presenting 17 fundamental issues to tackle for Europe’s relevance. These include fostering enlargement and neighborhood relationships, strengthening European defence, and promoting a digital platform strategy. Each question outlines the challenges, examines previous endeavors, and presents specific recommendations for future steps, allowing policymakers flexibility in determining the implementation approach.
To co-build geopolitical power, the Conclave advocates for bolstering EU cohesion, preparing for shifts in American commitment, and enhancing multilateralism. For science and technology, a focus on continuum thinking, AI, Quantum potential, green transition, and healthcare leadership is proposed. Inclusive development entails meeting climate objectives, protecting citizens’ rights, and prioritizing investments. Rule of law relies on media plurality, education, and efficient decision-making capacities.
Guillaume Klossa, Chairman of the Conclave, stresses the report as a visionary roadmap for a proactive Europe. He, along with his 11 fellow members of the Board of the Conclave, urges Europe to act not just as a regulator but as an implementer, advocating for transformative initiatives across priority areas. By fostering cooperation, innovation, and inclusivity, Europe can shape its destiny as a responsible global power. The report’s urgency stems from Europe’s past crises, often neglected in strategic planning as it underscores the necessity for long-term planning amidst evolving global dynamics.
The Conclave Report is endorsed and collectively written by and under the supervision of the Board of the Conclave, including Guillaume Klossa, Executive President of EuropaNova, former sherpa of the European Council Reflection group on the future of the EU chaired by president Felipe González, and initiator of the Conclave, as well as Piero Benassi, former Italian permanent representative to the EU; Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, mathematician who chaired the European Research Council until 2021; Etienne Davignon, Belgian industrialist who long presided over Bilderberg; Philippe Etienne, former sherpa to President Macron and ambassador to the EU, Germany, and the US; Aart de Geus, former Dutch minister and Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD; Peter Grk, Secretary General of the Bled Strategic Forum; Maria João Rodrigues, final negotiator for the Lisbon Strategy, the Lisbon Treaty, and the European Pillar of Social Rights; Grégoire Roos, Head of Political Dialogue & Policy Innovation at the BMW Foundation ; Daniela Schwarzer, German political scientist who has just published a report on the reform of the Treaties; Erika Staël von Holstein, Director general of Reimagine Europa; Loukas Tsoukalis, President of ELIAMEP Athens and Professor at Sciences Po, Paris; and António Vitorino, outgoing director-general of the International Organisation for Migration and former European Commissioner.
You can read the report here.
