In January 2025, the Bled Strategic Forum had the honour of partnering with EuropaNova for the Second European Conclave, hosted at the Royal Palace in Brussels. Building on the momentum of the first edition, this high-level, interdisciplinary gathering brought together leaders from politics, business, science, and civil society to define actionable priorities for a stronger, more sovereign, and globally relevant European Union.
The resulting report, “A Power Agenda for a Global, Sustainable and Responsible Europe,” outlines a sobering yet ambitious vision. It argues that the EU must urgently adopt a “power agenda” to respond to a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment marked by renewed great-power rivalry, declining transatlantic cohesion, and accelerating technological competition. The Second Conclave sharpened this vision in light of recent global events, including the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency and ongoing military aggression on Europe’s doorstep.
As a platform for dialogue and a soft power instrument of Slovenian foreign policy, the Bled Strategic Forum was proud to contribute to this important strategic conversation. The Forum’s Secretary-General, Peter Grk, joined other Conclave Board members in endorsing the report’s call for a Europe that leads not by imposition, but by example—grounded in shared values, responsible leadership, and global cooperation.
Among the key recommendations are:
- A dramatic scale-up of European defence capabilities, including fast-track procurement and a common European Defence Industrial Strategy;
- A tech-driven industrial policy that enables Europe to compete globally in AI, quantum technologies, and strategic industries;
- New financing instruments and joint investment frameworks, including proposals for a “European Sovereignty Fund” and the expansion of the NextGenerationEU model;
- A pan-European STEM and talent attraction strategy to prevent brain drain and build human capital;
- A renewed social contract through stronger citizen engagement, media resilience, and democratic infrastructure.
The Conclave served as a reminder that Europe must not only respond to crises, but also anticipate and shape the future it wants. Its proposals call for bold leadership, swift implementation, and most importantly, unity of purpose.
The Bled Strategic Forum will continue to serve as a convener of foresight, reflection, and strategic vision—ensuring that European and global voices are part of shaping the policies and partnerships of tomorrow.