Annual Research Conference 2026

1. 12 Nov 2026, 08:30 - 09:00 (CET)

   Welcome and registrations 
2. 09:00 - 09:15 (CET)

   Opening speeches

   • Maarten Verwey, Director-General for Economic and Financial Affairs, European Commission  
   • Maive Rute, Deputy Director-General at the Joint Research Centre, European Commission  
3. 09:15 - 09:55 (CET)

   Keynote speech: How Europe can win its trade wars

   • Chad P. Bown, Reginald Jones Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics
4. 09:55 - 10:15 (CET)

   Coffee break
5. 10:15 - 12:15 (CET)

   Thematic Session 1 - Building a European defence 

   The EU has the objective of increasing defence spending and strengthening its strategic autonomy, while its defence industry remains fragmented. In this context, the session will address questions such as: What are the potential impacts of increased defence spending on public finances and economic growth? What are the current strengths and weaknesses of the European defence industry? What barriers, such as the fragmentation of the internal market, impede investment and hinder efficiency gains? What is the role of dual-use technologies in this transition, considering their potential to foster innovation and industrial upgrading? What is the potential role of public procurement in reducing costs and fostering innovation, and under which conditions can such benefits be reaped?  

   Moderated by: Salvador Barrios, Head of the Fiscal Policy Analysis Unit, JRC.

   Speakers:  

   • Gernot Müller, ‘The Military Multiplier’, University of Tübingen.  
   • Sandra Mezzadri, ‘Building a European Geospatial Intelligence Capability: Mapping Initiatives, Identifying Gaps, and Outlining Strategic Options’, CEO of MSB Consulting sprl, senior advisor and expert defence market. 
   • Fenella McGerty, ‘European defence spending – growth leaders and challenges’, Senior Fellow for Defence Economics, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).  
   • Ethan B. Kapstein,‘The Future of European Security’, Princeton University, Executive Director, Empirical Studies of Conflict Project.  
6. 12:15 - 13:45 (CET)

   Lunch
7. 13:45 - 14:25 (CET)

   Policy panel  - Bridging the gap: Policy strategies for a stronger and more independent Europe

   Moderated by: Carlos Torrecilla Salinas, Acting Director for a Fair and Sustainable Economy, JRC.

   Speakers:  

   • Belen Garcia Molano, VP and Head of Engineering at Airbus Helicopters Spain.  
   • Daniel Fiott, Research Professor, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) 
   • Sylvie Matelly, Associate Professor at SKEMA Business School – Centre for Global Risks.  
8. 14:25 - 16:25 (CET)

   Thematic session 2 - Geoeconomics, trade and security 

   The rule‑based system and the international organisations on which international trade thrived have been severely weakened, and economic tools are increasingly used coercively to extract strategic advantages. In this context, the session will address questions such as: What geoeconomic instruments (such as trade and financial sanctions, tariffs, export restrictions, and the management of chokepoints in supply chains, information, data, finance, and technology) are being used, by the EU and by third countries? How effective are these measures in attaining the declared geopolitical objectives? What are their unintended consequences, including the costs for the EU and third countries, and the repercussions for global stability? What are the implications and trade-offs of industrial and trade policies, including preferential agreements, when used to substitute or complement the multilateral, rule-based, system, and what is the role of language and cultural similarities in this respect? Do historical precedents provide insights into current developments and their potential impact on global trade, investment and economic growth?  

   Moderated by: Norbert Wunner, Adviser on International Economic and Financial Affairs, DG ECFIN

   Speakers:   

   • Julian Hinz, ‘Tariffs Hit Differently: The Regional Impact of US Tariffs across Europe’, Professor of International Economics, Bielefeld University; Director, Research Group Trade Policy, Kiel Institute for the World Economy.
   • Petia Topalova, ‘Middle Powers and a Rupturing Global Order’, Division Chief, Development Macroeconomics Division, Research Department, International Monetary Fund.  
   • Elina Ribakova, ‘Economics of War’, Nonresident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and Bruegel, director of the International Affairs Program and vice president for foreign policy at the Kyiv School of Economics.  
   • Lionel Fontagné, ‘Reassessing the benefits of European integration and the European Union's ability to achieve strategic autonomy’, Paris School of Economics and Institute for Macroeconomic and International Policies. 
9. 16:25 - 16:45 (CET)

   Coffee break
10. Show 4 more items
11. 16:45 - 18:15 (CET)

    Thematic session 3 - EU vulnerabilities and strengths 

    Recent crises have highlighted Europe’s significant vulnerabilities, in terms of strategic dependencies and chokepoints in areas such as energy, raw materials, technology, and financial and information flows. At the same time, Europe also has important strengths it can leverage (for instance in semiconductor technologies). In this context, the session will address questions such as: What are the EU’s critical strategic vulnerabilities and strongholds in areas such as energy, materials, technology, financial and information flows? How can such vulnerabilities and strongholds be identified and measured? What role can strategic domestic investment, foreign direct investment (FDI), and reshoring or diversification of value chains play in reducing vulnerabilities? How can the EU strengthen its strongholds and leverage them in an increasingly competitive international environment? What tradeoffs will Europe face in leveraging these strongholds for strategic advantages and security, considering the potential costs such as reduced export opportunities and possibly higher import prices?  

    Moderated by: Liza Archanskaia, Economic Analyst, DG ECFIN

    Speakers:  

    • Maria Grazia Attinasi, ‘Unveiling the hidden costs of critical dependencies’, European Central Bank, Deputy Head of the External Developments Division, Directorate General International and European Relations.  
    • Glenn Magerman, ‘Quantifying Strategic Dependence’, ECARES, Université libre de Bruxelles CEPR and CESIfo.
    • Michele Mancini, ‘Stress-Testing Strategic Dependencies: Who Is Vulnerable, and Where?’, Deputy Head Emerging Economies and World Trade Division, Banca d’Italia.  

Practical information