European Conference 2026
Brochure
All in one document!
Find pratical information and the full schedule with every flagship sessions, panels, workshops including speakers’ biographies.
Welcome to the European Conference 2026!
The European Conference, one of the most important events about Europe in the U.S., is organized by Harvard, MIT, and Fletcher School students to strengthen transatlantic dialogue. It brings together top scholars, policymakers, and leaders from both sides of the Atlantic to explore new pathways for action.
The 2026 edition marks the 12th consecutive year of the conference. Under the theme Crisis as Catalyst: Europe’s Opportunity in a Changing World Order, the 2026 edition will bring together over 750 academics, students, and future global leaders. Across 12 panels, flagship sessions, and fireside chats, the European Conference will address pivotal topics, notably the transatlantic relationship, innovation, and Europe’s place in a multipolar world.
Join us on February 6–7, 2026, in Cambridge as we rethink Europe’s role in shaping the next chapter of the global order.
The Conference in numbers
Special events
Friday 6, 2026, 4:00-5:15:
Keynote by Luc Frieden, Prime Minister of Luxembourg
Featured speakers
François Arbault
Director for Defense Industrial Programs at the European Commission
“With the return of power play, imperialism, an aggresive Russia, and a diminishing U.S. focus on Europe, this has to be Europe’s independence moment.”
“There is a compelling and urgent need for a common culture of cooperation and for massive increase of efficiency.”
Arancha González
Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA) at Sciences Po,
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain
“We all see now the costs of a world driven by might rather than by right. Europe does not want to abandon the international rules-based order. And it’s working with those who want to invest in it.”
“It’s also clear that Europe needs to be able to write its own future and not to have it written by others. ANd for that it needs to built deterrence and resilience.”
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Crisis as Catalyst: Europe’s Opportunity in a Changing World Order
Testimonials
Enrico Letta
Former Prime Minister of Italy
“Once again great event! I attended many times this initiative.”
“I would like to ask you to be very vocal and to be in a deep dive in these topics, because your expertise is absolutely fundamental.”
Samantha Power
Anna Lindh Professor of the Practice of Global Leadership and Public Policy, former USAID Administrator, former US Ambassador, Harvard university
The 2026 European Conference arrived at the most important point in Transatlantic relations in decades. The high-ranking speakers were a rare combination of knowledgeable and blunt — befitting this moment. The discussions avoided laments on Europe’s predicament, and were instead action-oriented and productive, presenting clear pathways to turn a crisis into a golden opportunity for European democracy and European security.
Christos Christou
Outgoing International President, Médecins Sans Frontières
What I loved about the Harvard European Conference was the mix of brain and heart: serious policy talks, but never detached from real people and real consequences. Brilliantly organised, great speakers, and an audience that asked the kind of questions that stay with you.
Benedetta Berti
Secretary General, NATO Parliamentary Assembly
Participating in the European Conference 2026 was a truly rewarding experience. The organizers created an open environment that fostered genuine dialogue on critical issues for Europe’s future. At a time of profound changes for Europe and the world, exchanging on how to build a stronger, more competitive and innovative Europe is crucial.
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