On the occasion of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Delphi Economic Forum with the kind support of Philip Morris International hosts a Roundtable Discussion on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026 entitled “Building Resilience:  European Competitiveness and Strategic Autonomy in an Age of Complexity.”

As the European Union navigates an increasingly fragmented global landscape, its pursuit of resilience is vital to securing a balanced future. This roundtable explores how the EU can build economic resilience while achieving the strategic autonomy necessary to act as a stronger, more reliable global pillar. The discussion will address the current state of European competitiveness, including the progress of implementing the Draghi report, the regulation-innovation nexus across various economic fields like AI and manufacturing, Europe’s vulnerabilities regarding volatile supply chains, its lagging pace in AI innovation, and its pursuit of an autonomous security infrastructure.

Furthermore, the dialogue will delve into diverse perspectives, examining not only the European viewpoint but also those of the United States and the rest of the world. While competitiveness and strategic autonomy are necessary for Europe's survival and growth, for the United States, a self-reliant Europe means a more capable partner in addressing shared security and technological challenges. For the rest of the world, European autonomy offers a crucial stabilizing force amidst a rigid, bipolar US-China rivalry, helping to preserve multilateral trade. Ultimately, this roundtable aims to demonstrate how a resilient Europe serves as an essential anchor for global stability, universal trade, and sustainability in an age of complexity.