We are delighted to invite you to a lunch which will be held on Tuesday, 18th of March at 12.30 at the Member Salon of the European Parliament.
This event will consist of a lunch debate on the ways to foster the creation of EU-made transformative technologies, such as applied AI, in-house chip design and quantum technology security for a more competitive, resilient and secure Europe.
This event will also be a timely opportunity to highlight the importance of enhanced connectivity for the digitalisation, productivity increases and decarbonisation of Europe’s economy.
The event will feature the experience of representatives of the European R&D community, including Nokia researchers.
The event is hosted by Aura Salla MEP.
Please kindly note that this event is by invitation only.
INDICATIVE PROGRAMME
Welcoming remarks – 12:30
Aura Salla, Hosting MEP
Marc Vancoppenolle, VP Government Affairs Europe, Nokia
Guest speakers
Katarzyna Prusak-Górniak, Head of Digital Affairs Unit, Permanent Representation of Poland to the EU
Thibaut Kleiner, Director, Policy, Strategy and Outreach, DG CNECT, European Commission
Ann-Sofie Ronnlund, Member, Cabinet of Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva
Experts pitches
Bartek Kozicki, Head of Departement, Platforms and SoC Research, Nokia Bell Labs – Topic: Microelectronics
Benoit Drooghaag, AI/ML Software Expert, Nokia – Topic: AI
Werner Coomans, Technology Leadership Adviser, Nokia – Topic: Quantum Security
Interactive discussion and Q&A session
Closing Remarks – 14:25
This event is organised by
Supported by
About the debate
The European political leadership has embraced the pivotal recommendations stemming from the Letta and the Draghi reports, which both urge the old continent to enhance its competitiveness and resilience, especially in innovative technologies. It has been also acknowledged that European industries have the capability to develop and apply transformative technologies in practical ways in order to achieve a secure and prosperous future.
Europe already benefits from homegrown tech champions, such as Nokia, in the critical area of mobile and fixed communication technologies and underlying tech know-how. This includes the possession of critical strengths that Europe requires on a larger scale, including expertise in applied AI, cutting-edge in-house chip design and advanced capabilities in quantum computing, sensing and networking. The EU tech industry is also integrated into Europe’s research, innovation and value-creation ecosystems, as evidenced by the example of Nokia Bell Labs’ presence in European countries, including Belgium. This setting allows for strong collaborations with universities, research organisations and businesses – including SMEs and start-ups – and cross-fertilisation of ideas to further improve technological advancements within the EU.
In an increasingly digital world, enhanced connectivity and digital innovation notably play a crucial role in driving Europe’s economic transformation as they boost productivity and accelerate the journey towards decarbonisation. This is evident for instance in utilities, where enhanced connectivity enables smart grids capable of boosting the green energy transition, and in manufacturing where they support AI, automation, and virtualisation, to increase efficiency, productivity and sustainable growth.
Real-world case studies illustrate the power of European innovation and showcase how key technologies are shaping the continent’s future. From pioneering microelectronics and cutting-edge chip design to applying AI to optimise network performance, enhancing efficiency and strengthening resilience against cyber threats, Europe’s connectivity ecosystem remains at the forefront of progress. Quantum technologies, including secure communication, advanced networking and high-precision sensing, further demonstrate the continent’s leadership in breakthrough technologies.
Against this backdrop, Europe must strengthen its global competitiveness, also by addressing geopolitical challenges and external threats. Strategic policies need to support a resilient, expanding, and innovative tech landscape and the timely deployment of digital solutions across EU industry sectors to ensure long-term prosperity and security.
Please note that the event will commence at 12.30 and will last until around 14.30.
The discussion will take place in the Salon at the Member Salon situated on the ground floor of the European Parliament’s Altiero Spinelli building.
Those who do not have a badge to access the European Parliament’s premises are kindly invited to be at the Altiero Spinelli entrance no later than 12.00.
We look forward to welcoming you to the European Parliament Member Salon on the 18th of March 2025.
