23 June 2026 | 14:00 - 19:00 CEST | Brussels, Belgium (in-person)

Europe stands at a crossroads. In a world shaped by geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation and accelerating global competition, the choices made today will determine Europe’s ability to compete, innovate and lead in the decades ahead. 

EFPIA’s conference “Europe’s Choice: The value of investing in innovation” will bring together EU and national policymakers, industry representatives and senior advisors from across the health and industrial policy landscape, to examine how investment in innovation can strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and economic security. 

Join us on 23 June in Brussels to engage in a forward-looking discussion on how Europe can turn today’s challenges into opportunities – and make the right choices for its future. 

Register here.

Discover the programme:

14:00 – 14:15 | Opening by Stefan Oelrich, EFPIA President and President of Bayer Pharma 

14:15 – 15:15 | PANEL I - Waking up in a new World Disorder: How to be open to trade, while protecting key industries 

How can Europe remain a champion of open, rules-based trade while protecting strategic industries and reducing critical dependencies? Panel I will explore how trade and industrial policy can adapt to a world where interdependencies are increasingly viewed through the lens of security. 

• Tomas Baert, Trade adviser, Cabinet of President Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission
• Frances Burwell, Distinguished Fellow, Atlantic Council and Senior Director, McLarty Associates
• Patrik Jonsson, Executive Vice President and President, Lilly International, Eli Lilly & Company

15:45 – 17:00 | PANEL II - The health dividend: Why investing in medicines is Europe’s smartest choice 

Panel II will present new evidence on the economic and societal returns of investing in innovative medicines. From productivity to healthcare efficiency, the discussion will highlight why health is a strategic investment for Europe’s future. 

• Dennis Ostwald, Founder and CEO of WifOR Institute

17:00 – 18:00 | PANEL III - What would it take for Europe to lead in life sciences? 

What will it take for Europe to lead in the next generation of medical innovation? Panel 3 will look ahead at how to build a truly competitive ecosystem – spanning research, regulation, financing and market access – capable of translating scientific excellence into global leadership. 

• Emer Cooke, Executive Director, EMA
• Eric de Montgolfier, CEO, Invest Europe
• Nikos Papandreou, Member of the European Parliament, S&D, Greece

18:00 – 18:05 | Closing by Nathalie Moll, Director General, EFPIA 

18:05 – 19:00 | Networking reception

Moderator: Sarah-Taïssir Bencharif