THE COMPETITIVENESS AGENDA 2026 - Can Europe Still Compete? And Where Does Latvia Fit In?

Europe’s competitiveness. Latvia’s opportunities. Business perspectives. Event language - ENG Europe is facing profound economic and geopolitical change. Global trade patterns are shifting, energy costs remain a critical factor for industry, access to capital is essential for growth, and artificial intelligence is transforming the way businesses operate. Against this backdrop, one question matters more than ever: Can Europe remain competitive — and what role can Latvia play in shaping its economic future? The Competitiveness Agenda 2026 is an international business forum bringing together business leaders, policymakers, investors and international experts to examine the challenges and opportunities shaping Europe’s competitiveness. Through keynote contributions and four focused panel discussions, the forum will explore how businesses and policymakers can strengthen economic security, attract investment, improve energy competitiveness and use technology to drive productivity. The aim is to encourage meaningful dialogue, share international perspectives and build connections that can lead to new business opportunities and stronger cross-border cooperation. Four dimensions of competitiveness POWER — Geopolitics, Trade, Economic Security & Supply Chains How can Europe strengthen its economic resilience, protect strategic interests and respond to changes in global trade? This discussion will explore how economic security, international trade, and resilient supply chains support competitiveness. SCALE — Investment, Capital, Growth & Global Competitiveness What enables companies to attract investment, expand internationally and become competitive players in global markets? This panel will examine growth capital, investment readiness, international partnerships and the conditions that help businesses scale. ENERGY — Energy Security, Costs, Transition & Industrial Competitiveness How can Europe balance energy security, affordability and the transition to a more sustainable economy? The discussion will focus on energy costs, supply security, and the impact of energy policy on industrial competitiveness. PRODUCTIVITY — AI, Technology, Innovation, Skills & the Future of Work How can businesses turn artificial intelligence, technology and innovation into measurable productivity gains? This panel will explore the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation, skills development and the future of work. SPEAKERS, KEYNOTE CONTRIBUTORS & MODERATORS The Competitiveness Agenda 2026 brings together international business leaders, policymakers and industry experts to discuss Europe's competitiveness and Latvia's place in the changing global economy. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS & SPECIAL ADDRESSES Danny McCoy Chief Executive Officer, Ibec, Ireland Keynote Speaker Ivars Ījabs Member of the European Parliament Keynote Response — Remote Address Jurģis Miezainis Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia Confirmed Speaker Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia Invitation submitted — confirmation awaited FORUM MODERATOR Ansis Bogustovs Forum Moderator and Moderator of the ENERGY panel POWER Geopolitics, Trade, Economic Security & Supply Chains 10:30–11:15 Moderator: Jūlija Bērziņa Chairperson of the Board, Riga RoPax Terminal Ltd. Nicolas Lepage Counsellor (Commercial Affairs – Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia) and Regional Senior Trade Commissioner (Baltics), Canada Māris Sprindžuks Deputy Mayor of Riga Artis Dekšenieks DHL Express Latvia SCALE Investment, Capital, Growth & Global Competitiveness 11:20–12:05 Sibilla Strupule Investment-readiness adviser and exited founder Sandra Aile Investor and Supervisory Board Member Nina Lubbe Project Coordinator, JETRO — Japan External Trade Organization Supporting open innovation between Japanese and international companies and assisting foreign companies investing in Japan. ENERGY Energy Security, Costs, Transition & Industrial Competitiveness 12:30–13:15 Moderator: Ansis Bogustovs Ivars Zariņš Executive Director, Latvian Association of Power Engineers and Energy Constructors (LEEA) Mārtiņš Vancāns Head of Enefit in Latvia Reinhold Schneider CEO, SCHWENK Northern Europe; Chairperson, FICIL PRODUCTIVITY AI, Technology, Innovation, Skills & the Future of Work 13:20–14:05 Eitaro Kojima Director General, JETRO Warsaw Japan External Trade Organization Pierre-Luc Stephane Brouilliez Procurement Manager, Lexel Fabrika / Schneider Electric Guntis Kalniņš AI Master Lab, Board member of MILA (Latvian Artificial Intelligence Association)