Europe Forum Turku inspired vivid discussions on influencing through information, security policy, and the role of the EU

Europe Forum, organized in Turku on the 25th to 27th of August, brought together hundreds of decision makers, experts, and citizens. This year, the Forum was organised for the fourth time, and for health security reasons, for the second time as a hybrid event where the public took part online. The 3-day event saw over 30 high-level talks and discussions, and the live streams were attended by over 2700 unique visitors.

Representatives of the EU countries’ embassies as well as of the embassies of the United States and Great Britain also attended the discussions. The next Europe Forum will be arranged on 24–26 August 2022.

”Europe Forum is one of the main events of the year focusing on EU politics. During these past few years, the Forum has introduced to the Finnish EU discussions a well-needed diversity of topics, and for that I especially want to thank the organizers”, says Prime Minister Sanna Marin who attended the Forum on Friday.

“In four years, the Europe Forum Turku has established its position in the annual cycle of the Finnish politics. The Forum is very popular, it offers a wide range of discussions, and brings together prominent decision makers. This year’s Europe Forum was a success, and a good basis for planning the next year’s Forum”, says Minna Arve, the Mayor of Turku.

Discussions on the future of Europe with prominent politicians

This year, the discussions led by EU influencers revolved around the changes in the EU and in Finland. The topics included influencing through information, the rule of law, and the role of the EU in promoting digital transition. Also, the minor role the EU had in solving the situation in Afghanistan stirred up discussions in several panels.

“I was honoured to participate in the unique and prestigious Europe Forum. It is very timely and appropriate to host this forum, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented challenges to our societies and economies”, says Ilze Juhansone, the Secretary-General of the European Commission.

Recorded discussions can be viewed online

During the Forum, there were vivid online discussions via the virtual platform and on social media. The organizers encouraged a many-voiced dialogue, and the possibility for all citizens to take part in and influence the discussions on EU.

All the recorded events can be viewed later via the Europe Forum website at www.europeforum.fi/en.

For more information:

• Anders Blom, Chair of Europe Forum Turku, [email protected], +358 400 523 409
• Communications & Media: Irene Pendolin, City of Turku, [email protected], tel. +358 40 848 6242
• https://europeforum.fi/en
• Media releases, logos, and photos: https://europeforum.fi/en/media/

Europe Forum on social media:

Twitter: @eurooppafoorumi
Instagram: @eurooppafoorumi
Facebook: Eurooppa-foorumi 2021
#eurooppafoorumi #europeforum

Facts about Europe Forum Turku:

• The Europe Forum is an annual opening of the political season, featuring discussion on the role of Finland in Europe and the European Union. The event was organised for the first time in 2018.
• The Europe Forum provides topical information about the EU and promotes open, science-based dialogue between citizens and decision-makers.
• In 2018, the Europe Forum consisted of 30 events, where almost 2,000 citizens discussed with a hundred experts and influencers. Thousands of people also attended the Europe market events.
• In 2019, the number of programme organizers almost doubled and there were more than 50 separate events over three days. Almost 6,000 attendees discussed with two hundred experts and influencers, both on spot and through the online platform.
• In 2020, the forum was a two-day event with over 30 high-class events. The number of online attendees was 1,500 unique visitors, on top of the decision makers and experts present on spot. Due to the corona pandemic, the number of attendees on spot was limited and the instructions imposed by the authorities were carefully adhered to.
• In 2021, the Europe Forum was organized as a three-day hybrid event in Turku on the 25th to 27th of August 2021.
• For 2021, the visual identity, logos and the website of the Europe Forum have been renewed. The website can be accessed at the familiar address https://www.europeforum.fi/en.