Europe as a Task
Pursuing prosperity
in a shifting world
Latest updates
Latest updates
Save the date for Europe as a Task 2026 conference
We are delighted to announce that the second edition of the conference Europe as a Task, will take place on 5–6 May 2026 in Prague. Next year’s conference will focus on Europe’s security and defence readiness, including how to strengthen
From Security to Competitiveness: “Europe as a Task” brought the EU Debate to Prague
The two-day conference Europe as a Task was inaugurated at Prague Castle, focusing on key topics in European politics, security, competitiveness, and the future of the European Union. The event provided a platform for discussing Europe’s role in a changing world, with the opening ceremony taking place in the prestigious Spanish Hall of Prague Castle.
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EUROPE AS A TASK is a new high-level international event focused on the future of the EU. The conference focuses on addressing key European challenges from a global perspective and enriching discussions on the EU within the Czech context. Recognising the need for a platform to foster a meaningful dialogue on European affairs, we bring expertise, research, and fresh perspectives to the conversation.
The inaugural ceremony of the conference will take place on May 12, 2025, in the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle, attended by the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel. The working part of the conference will follow on May 13, 2025, held at the Czernin Palace.
The first edition of the conference, held under the theme Pursuing prosperity in a shifting world, focuses on core challenges in European politics, such as Europe’s geopolitical influence, security, trade policy and competitiveness. Through high-level dialogue, the conference aims to generate actionable insights for a stronger, more resilient Europe and foster and enrich pro-European thinking in Central Europe.
This year’s topics include:
European Competitiveness
Removing barriers within the
internal market and reducing regulatory burdens.
Economic Security
Addressing challenges posed by global geopolitical changes.
European Security
Maintaining strong regional stability and partnerships.
Future of Global Trade
Navigating a shifting global order influenced by political changes in the U.S. and China‘s rise.
EU Enlargement and Reform
Examining the Union‘s evolving structure.
The conference is organised by AMO – Association for International Affairs, Institute for European Policy EUROPEUM and the Institute of International Relations Prague in cooperation with the Office of the President of the Czech Republic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, the Representation of the European Commission in the Czech Republic, Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung, the Government Office of the Czech Republic, and the International Visegrad Fund.
Europe as a Task is held under the auspices of the Office of the President of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The conference is co-funded by the European Union.
About us
EUROPE AS A TASK is a high-level international event focused on the future of the EU.
The conference focuses on addressing key European challenges from a global perspective and enriching discussions on the EU within the Czech context. Recognising the need for a platform to foster a meaningful dialogue on European affairs, we bring expertise, research, and fresh perspectives to the conversation.
The opening ceremony of the conference will take place on 5 May 2026 at Prague Castle, under the auspices of the President of the Czech Republic. The conference will continue on 6 May 2026 with a full programme of expert-level discussions.
The 2026 edition of Europe as a Task will focus on three strategic priorities shaping Europe’s future: European security and the defence industrial base, European competitiveness and strategic industrial policy, and market integration and regulatory coherence. Building on current EU initiatives, the conference will explore how Europe can strengthen its defence preparedness and industrial capacity, close the competitiveness gap with global partners, and reduce fragmentation within the Single Market. Through high-level exchanges, the conference aims to generate actionable insights and contribute to more coherent, resilient, and forward-looking European policymaking.
This year’s topics include:
European Security & Defence Industry
Europe’s security environment is deteriorating, making defence preparedness an urgent priority. Building on the Niinistö report and the EU’s new SAFE financial instrument, the conference will explore how to strengthen industrial capacity, accelerate common procurement, and scale European drone production. The aim is to ensure Europe has the capabilities and resources to protect itself in an increasingly volatile world.
European Competitiveness & Strategic Industrial Policy
With the competitiveness gap widening between Europe and its global rivals, the EU needs sharper tools to innovate, scale, and attract investment. The conference will examine the upcoming Start-Up/Scale-Up Strategy, the completion of the Savings and Investment Union, and the introduction of the 28th Regulatory Regime. Discussions will focus on practical ways to boost Europe’s economic resilience and strengthen its global competitiveness.
European Market Integration & Regulatory Coherence
Persistent fragmentation in the Single Market continues to limit Europe’s growth and efficiency. This conference will identify pathways to remove cross-border barriers and harmonise rules, particularly in energy and telecommunications. By aligning national perspectives and policy priorities, the goal is to create a more predictable, integrated, and innovation-friendly European market.
The conference is organised by AMO – Association for International Affairs, Institute for European Policy EUROPEUM and the Institute of International Relations Prague in cooperation with the Office of the President of the Czech Republic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, the Representation of the European Commission in the Czech Republic, Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung, the Government Office of the Czech Republic, and the International Visegrad Fund.
Organisers
Organisers
in 1997. Its main aim is to promote research and education in the field of international relations.
and independent think-tank focusing
on European integration and cohesion.
An independent public research institution that conducts excellent academic research in the larger field of international relations.
Association for International Affairs
A Prague-based organization founded
in 1997. Its main aim is to promote research and education in the field of international relations.
EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy
A non-profit, non-partisan,
and independent think-tank focusing
on European integration and cohesion.
Institute of International Relations Prague
An independent public research institution that conducts excellent academic research in the larger field of international relations.
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