23 June 2026 | 13:30 - 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:

13:30 – 13:35 | Welcome by Stefan Oelrich, EFPIA President and President of Bayer Pharma

13:35 – 14:35 | 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. 

• H.E. Kazutoshi Aikawa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the European Union
• Tomas Baert, Trade Adviser to President 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

14:35 – 15:00 | Joint interview  

• Stefan Oelrich, EFPIA President and President of Bayer Pharma
• Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation

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15:30 – 16:30 | The health dividend: Is investing in medicines a smart choice? 

Panel II will present new evidence on the economic and societal returns of investing in innovative medicines. From productivity to healthcare efficiency, speakers will discuss if health is a strategic investment for Europe’s resilience and security. 

• Gloria Ghéquière, Deputy Head of Cabinet for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health Frank Vandenbroucke, Belgium
• Nathalie Moll, Director General, EFPIA
• Dennis Ostwald, Founder and CEO, WifOR Institute
• Valentina Strammiello, Executive Director, European Patients’ Forum
• Johan Van Eldere, Secretary General, European University Hospitals Alliance 

16:30 – 17:30 | 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 III 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
• Fabio Datri, Member of the Biotech Task Force, DG SANTE, European Commission
• Alexandre de Germay, Chief International Commercial Officer, Pfizer
• Eric de Montgolfier, CEO, Invest Europe
• Nikos Papandreou, Member of the European Parliament, S&D, Greece

17:30 – 17:40 | Closing by Nathalie Moll, Director General, EFPIA 

17:40 – 19:00 | Networking reception

Moderator: Sarah-Taïssir Bencharif