Prague European Summit
18 – 19 November 2020
The 6th edition of the Prague European Summit – a unique, high-level discussion policy forum focused on the European Union and global policy in a changing world – was held in November 2020. As an initiative of the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy and the Prague Institute of International Relations, this forum regularly brings together around 400 senior politicians, political commentators, think-tankers and public figures from around the world with the aim of providing a space for an open exchange of views.
This year, the Summit’s topics focused on policy development in a changing global climate. The latter did not concern only climate change as a significant political, economic and social challenge but also how it fits in the context of the changing rules of multilateral, diplomatic and security order in today’s global politics. Indeed, the purpose of this year’s edition was to show that the very survival of international cooperation, trade and security mechanisms is a key component in achieving sustainable development. Over the course of two days, encompassing more than 34 different formats of speeches and discussions, experts discussed topics including European leadership and autonomy, the European green deal, green transformation as an economic opportunity, the future for the EU post-pandemic, transatlantic relations in light of the 2020 U.S. presidential elections, challenges to the rule of law, democracy in digital age and many more. There were also three closed lunch sessions held upon special invitation only and under the Chatham House Rule.
The core of the Summit took place in two virtual studios at Czernin Palace, and the headquarters of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Four ‘Urban Talks’ were held virtually via Zoom, and ‘Early Bird Sessions’ were co-organised with the German and Slovenian Embassies. Additionally, the Future European Leaders Forum which was held in a third virtual studio at Czernin Palace brought together 27 exceptional young people with different backgrounds. Among other activities, participants worked on policy papers focused on topics such as the environment, governance and security. As per tradition, the prestigious ‘Vision for Europe’ Award ceremony was a highlight of the Prague European Summit and it was awarded to two laureates – Federica Mogherini, rector of College of Europe and former High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Margot Wallström, former Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs.
