Previous Conventions

EBLC summits take place in Finland every two years. In the meantime, smaller top level discussions are organised for members of the Council, Corporate Partners, and other business leaders and experts who are available at a short notice. Thematic meetings are arranged in different locations depending on the subject matter at hand.

EBLC 2007 in Helsinki

The third EBLC summit was under the theme "Is Europe Fit for a Digital Future?" The question was examined from different angles. Are European companies in a position to make the most out of the huge opportunity offered by the new technologies? Is the European regulatory and policy framework ready to face the challenge? The globalisation of digital technologies and the digital divide were also discussed, as well as the future of European universities. The summit gathered together one hundred business leaders and experts from 24 countries. Speakers included e.g. Mr Carl Bildt, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs; Mr Thomas Glocer, Reuters; Mr Michael Golden, International Herald Tribune and The New York Times; Mr Alexey A. Mordashov, Severstal; Ms Viviane Reding, Commissioner for Information Society and Media; Mr Olli Rehn, Commissioner for Enlargement; Dame Marjorie Scardino, Pearson Group; and Mr Carl-Henric Svanberg, Ericsson.

EBLC 2006 in St Petersburg

The previous EBLC thematic meeting pondered on the question "How to Meet Europe`s Energy Needs? The Role of Russian Gas and Oil". The aim of the meeting was to deepen our understanding of the European energy predicament, its consequences for different industry sectors, and its geopolitical implications. The meeting was designed for both energy suppliers and businesses affected by fluctuations in energy prices. Speakers featured e.g. Mr Anatoly Chubais, RAO UES; Dr Andris Piebalgs, EU Energy Commissioner; Dr Victor Vekselberg, TNK-BP; and Jeroen van der Veer, Royal Dutch Shell.

EBLC 2005 in Helsinki

The second EBLC summit was organised with the theme "Getting Europe Moving Again!" Among the issues discussed were the twin economic challenge of Asia and America, reasons for Europe’s slow growth and low rates of employment, Germany`s progress with reforms, transatlantic relations, the impact of China and India on the world economy, the long-term prospects for the euro and the dollar, and the development of the Russian business environment. Speakers included e.g. Mr Martin Wolf, Financial Times; Dr Hank McKinnell, Pfizer; Mr Charles Grant, Centre for European Reform; Dr Dominique Moïsi, French Institute of International Affairs; Dr Francois Heisbourg, Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique; Mr P.R. Chandrasekar, Wipro; and Lord Adair Turner, Merrill Lynch.

EBLC 2004 in Brussels

In 2004, a thematic meeting was held in Brussels with the President of the European Commission Mr. José Manuel Barroso. He gave an inspiring speech on the role of the European Commission in achieving the goals of the Lisbon strategy.

EBLC 2003 in Helsinki

The first EBLC summit had three main themes: European competitiveness, transatlantic relations, and EU governance and constitution.