Previous Conventions

Northern Light summits take place in Finland every two years. Meanwhile, special meetings are arranged in different locations depending on the subject matter at hand.

Northern Light 2011 summit in Helsinki

The fifth European Business Leaders' Convention summit was held under a new name, Northern Light, in Helsinki in the summer 2011. The theme of the summit was "Rebuilduing Europe. How to Secure European Competitiveness in a Radically Changed World". The discussions concentrated much on the ongoing crisis of the euro, but the rise of state capitalism, the modernisation of Russia and the rise of Asia were also dealt with.

EBLC 2010 In Brussels

In May 2010 was held a meeting at the European Commission Headquarters in Brussels under the theme “The New European Agenda – The European Business Leaders’ Convention meets the New Commission”. The meeting took place in the midst of the Greek debt crisis.

EBLC 2009 in Helsinki

The fourth EBLC summit was organised under the theme "EUROPE IN CRISIS - Is There a Way Out?". Speakers included, among others, Alexey A. Mordashov, Severstal; Anatoly Chubays, RUSNANO; Lars Nyberg, TeliaSonera AB; Ferdinando Beccalli-Falco, GE International; Craig Barrett, Intel Corporation; Peter Oppenheimer, PwC; Peter Straarup, Danske Bank; Michael Treschow , Ericsson; Nik Gowing, BBC World News; Ali Babacan, State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey; Mark Leonard, European Council on Foreign Relations; Meglena Kuneva, Commissioner for Consumer Protection; and Olli Rehn, Commissioner for Enlargement.

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 Vivianne Reding, Commissioner for Information Society and Media; Olli Rehn, Commissioner for Enlargement; Dame Marjorie Scardino, Pearson Group; and Mr Carl-Henric Svanberg, Ericsson.

EBLC 2006 in St Petersburg

The EBLC thematic meeting, held in St Petersburg, 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.

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.