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The 18th European Economic Congress (EEC) will take place from 22 to 24 April 2026 at the International Congress Centre and the Spodek multipurpose arena in Katowice.
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Katowice, once the heart of Poland’s coal industry, is now a fast-evolving city where heavy industry meets modern architecture, culture and tech.
For nearly two decades, the Congress has been one of Central Europe’s largest and most influential economic events, providing a platform for dialogue where ideas and initiatives are shaped and have a tangible impact on economic development in Poland and across Europe.
Three days of intense debates
Each edition of the Congress brings together three days of intensive debates, meetings and discussions focused on the most pressing challenges of our time — from geopolitics and sovereignty to the energy transition, as well as the development of new technologies and investment.
This year’s programme will focus on key themes including Europe’s geopolitical pressures, sovereignty and competitiveness, the energy transition and investment, as well as digitalisation and emerging technologies.
Previous editions have brought together around 1,300 speakers, more than 13,500 participants and over 200 debates, with a similar scale expected this year.
Beyond the formal programme, thousands of informal meetings and conversations take place, bridging vision and practice and helping to foster meaningful business relationships.
For this emerging cohort, economic development is no longer defined solely by growth, but also by social responsibility, the energy and digital transitions, and a renewed approach to sustainability.
The Congress will be attended by business leaders, government representatives and experts.
Among the speakers are Jerzy Buzek, former prime minister of Poland and former president of the European Parliament, and Bogdan Benczak, president of PZU. Government figures include Krzysztof Gawkowski, deputy prime minister and minister of digitalisation, Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, minister of funds and regional policy, and Katarzyna Kotula, minister for equality.
Business leaders attending include Michał Bolesławski, president of ING Bank Śląski, Rafał Brzoska, founder and CEO of InPost, and Sebastian Kulczyk, international investor. Also present will be Mark Brzeziński, former United States ambassador to Poland and member of the UNIMOT Board of Strategic Advisers, and Guy Standing, professor at SOAS University of London.
Euronews will also be among the event’s patrons.
Accompanying events
A number of accompanying events form an integral part of the Congress.
These include the Investor Without Borders 2026 Gala, which recognises both foreign investors operating in Poland and Polish companies investing abroad, as well as the TOP Investment 2026 Gala, showcasing some of the most innovative and inspiring projects delivered by local governments.
The event is organised by the PTWP Group, a publisher of online portals and organiser of leading industry congresses in Poland.
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