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)