Future: Geoeconomics & The C-Suite 2026

08:15 AM - 09:00 AM CET

Registration & Networking Reception

Our Managing Director welcomes Council Members and other senior executives with a brief overview of TCB’s perspective on what’s ahead for European business. What are the trends impacting the future of Europe and how do we prepare for sustainable business performance?

09:00 AM - 09:20 AM CET

Opening, Welcome & Member Awards

Our Managing Director and ESF Center leader welcome Council Members and other senior executives with a brief overview of TCB’s perspective on what’s ahead for European business. What are the trends impacting the future of Europe and how do we prepare for sustainable business performance?

09:20 AM - 09:45 AM CET

Keynote: Why Assessing Geopolitical Risk Matters for Business, and What Companies Are Doing to Mitigate It

How do you prepare the Board, cascade down the organization, implement contingency plans.

09:45 AM - 10:10 AM CET

Panel Discussion: The Future of the Trade and Investment System and the Value of Deals and Treaties in a World with Eroded Trust

As global trade systems become less predictable, companies must rethink how they approach cross-border investment and partnerships. This session explores how executives are adapting to shifting rules, weakening multilateral frameworks, and increasing political uncertainty, and what this means for long-term investment decisions.

10:10 AM - 10:35 AM CET

Panel: Reorganizing Business for a Multipolar, Fragmented Word

As geopolitical fragmentation accelerates, companies are being forced to rethink long-established operating models. This keynote will explore how leading organizations are redesigning supply chains, reassessing investment strategies, and responding to rising protectionist pressures, while balancing resilience, competitiveness, and growth. Drawing on real-world experience, the session will offer a strategic perspective on how executives are making critical decisions about where to invest, operate, and scale in an increasingly complex and uncertain global environment.

10:40 AM - 11:10 AM CET

Networking Break

11:10 AM - 12:30 PM CET

Challenge 1. Track I. Panel: New Geofinancial Scenarios

Geopolitical factors are reshaping global financial markets. This session explores the financial side of geoeconomics, analyzing how geopolitical objectives interact with new forms of digital finance and affect the global economy. Panelists will discuss the future of money, the international role of dominant currencies, how different jurisdictions are approaching these issues, and what it all means for Europe.

11:10 AM - 12:30 PM CET

Challenge 1. Track II. Panel: Challenging the G2 Narrative

The main objective of this session is to explore whether there are alternatives to the perceived inevitable scenario, which depicts the outcome of the current geopolitical tension as a world dominated by two blocks lead by the USA and China, where other countries or regional bodies will have no other choice but to align with either one of these two blocks. The key themes that will be addressed in this panel are: a) China: a force of stabilization or destabilization? b) Emerging markets vs. Emerging power brokers (India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia) c) Are mature economies doomed? (Japan/ EU) d) Does investing in Africa make sense?

12:30 PM - 01:30 PM CET

Networking Lunch

01:30 PM - 01:50 PM CET

Keynote: European Sanctions Strategy

Sanctions have become a central instrument of geopolitical and economic policy, with direct and often immediate implications for business operations. This session will provide insight into the strategic intent, direction of travel, and expected evolution of EU sanctions frameworks. It will explore how policymakers are balancing political objectives with economic impact, what companies should anticipate in terms of enforcement and scope, and how businesses can better align their compliance and risk strategies with an increasingly complex and dynamic sanctions environment.

01:55 PM - 03:15 PM CET

Challenge 2. Track I. Panel: Civil Defense and How to Navigate as a Business Company in Today's Complex World

a) How investment in security and defence can benefit the wider economy b) Cybersecurity as a critical business issue c) Space as the next battlefield

01:55 PM - 03:15 PM CET

Challenge 2. Track II. Panel: Weaponizing Resources or the Bottlenecks that Will Constrain Growth

Interdependence was long seen as a risk-free route to higher productivity and economic growth, but governments are now weaponizing control over commodities, technology and infrastructure. The panelists will discuss whether this is creating a growing trade-off between productivity and security, particularly for Europe, which is highly globally integrated, has limited natural resources, and is highly dependent on US digital technology.

03:15 PM - 03:40 PM CET

Break and back to plenary

03:40 PM - 04:00 PM CET

Workshop: Report from Breakout Sessions

A summary of key insights, ideas, and outcomes generated during the breakout sessions. Highlights main discussions, recommendations, and action points shared by each group.

04:00 PM - 04:30 PM CET

Panel: The Broken Dialogue between Policymakers and Business

As trust between governments and businesses becomes more fragile, companies must navigate increasingly complex and sensitive political environments. This session explores how executives are engaging with policymakers, managing reputational risk, and operating effectively amid growing disconnect.

04:30 PM - 05:00 PM CET

Keynote: What to Expect from the US Mid-term Elections Next Month?

Political developments in the United States continue to have global implications for trade, regulation, and economic policy. This session provides a business-focused perspective on potential scenarios and how companies should prepare for policy shifts and continued uncertainty.

05:00 PM - 05:15 PM CET

Closing Remarks

The closing session reflects on the key insights from the day, reinforcing the need for resilience, adaptability, and informed decision-making in an increasingly unpredictable global environment.

05:15 PM - 05:45 PM CET

Networking Cocktail & Close