Europe’s AI Conundrum: Watch the Brussels Economic Forum 2026
The Brussels Economic Forum (BEF) is the European Commission’s annual flagship economic event. For more than 25 years, it has brought together political leaders, business representatives, civil society, academics, and key economic actors to engage in forward-looking discussions on key issues shaping
By Méabh Mc Mahon & Fatih Yetim
Published on 07/05/2026 - 10:22 GMT+2
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a tech matter — it is rapidly becoming an economic imperative. From jobs and productivity to competitiveness and regulation, AI is reshaping the global economy at speed. That’s why this year's Brussels Economic Forum, the annual high level gathering about the European economy, is dedicated to AI and where Europe stands in the global race.
Hosted this year by Euronews’ journalists Méabh Mc Mahon and Sasha Vakulina, the 26th edition of the Brussels Economic Forum will bring together leading economists, MEPs, business leaders and AI experts to debate one of the defining challenges of our time: “The EU’s AI Economy in the Global Race.”
Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and intensifying global competition, this year’s Brussels Economic Forum will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming Europe’s economy — and whether the EU can keep pace in the global AI race.
The forum will feature keynote speeches and high-level discussions with leading political, economic and industry figures, including the Prime Minister of Luxembourg Luc Frieden, EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, Philippe Aghion and Louise Burke, alongside senior representatives from business, trade unions and academia.
As Brussels seeks to define its place in the AI era, this year’s Brussels Economic Forum promises to be one of the most important economic conversations of 2026.
