Journée de l'Economie

Can we save Europe?

Is sovereignty the right path? Europe and Luxembourg under pressure

Wednesday 18 March 2026

at Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce

Register now

Download the programme

Europe is standing at a crossroads. Economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and growing global competition have placed unprecedented pressure on the European Union and its Member States.

As questions of strategic autonomy, resilience, and economic dependencies dominate the European policy agenda, Luxembourg finds itself at the heart of this discussion. How can a small, yet influential nation contribute and navigate this new emerging global landscape while preserving its economic strength?

What does increasing strategic independence mean in today's interconnected but increasingly volatile world, and can it shield Europe from external shocks? Or does international collaboration remain the key to long-term stability and growth? The answers to these questions will shape the future of Europe, and therefore Luxembourg, for decades to come. Join us on 18 March 2026 at the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce for the Journée de l'Economie where we will discuss the questions: Can we save Europe? Is sovereignty the right path?

Every year, this unique event brings together economists and members of the Luxembourg government as well as internationally and locally renowned speakers.

For this 2026 edition, we have the honour of welcoming:

Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
Lex Delles, Minister of the Economy, SME, Energy and Tourism.
Luc Frieden, Luxembourg Prime Minister.
Guy Verhofstadt, President of European Movement International, former Member of the European Parliament and former Prime Minister of Belgium.
Jeromin Zettelmeyer, Director of Bruegel, former Deputy Director at the IMF and former head of economic policy at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.

The event will also include a thought-provoking panel discussion focusing on "Securing tomorrow: Luxembourg's role in defence & tech innovation". It will examine how Luxembourg, alongside its European partners, could contribute to a more secure, resilient, and competitive future through advances in defence and technology and what policies the country should implement for future success. The discussion will spotlight strategic investments Luxembourg should make in cybersecurity, space systems, and dual-use technologies, while highlighting its growing role in reinforcing European sovereignty and fostering robust innovation ecosystems.

We hope to see you on 18 March 2026 at the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce for a high-stakes afternoon of debate, insights and networking at the Journée de l'Economie. Don't miss the conversations shaping tomorrow.

The concept of the annual "Journée de l'Economie"

The conference

Since 2007, the "Journée de l'Economie" has been organised every year, assembling a community of entrepreneurs, leaders, institutional administrators, politicians and decision-makers from Luxembourg and the Greater Region.

This conference presents an opportunity to take stock of the economic situation and contemplate ways to boost the development of businesses in Luxembourg and the Greater Region through open discussions.

Over the years, this conference has come to constitute one of the key events of Luxembourg's corporate agenda.

The collaborators

The success of the "Journée de l'Economie" is to a large degree due to the dedicated involvement of its four main organisers: the Ministry of the Economy, the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, IDEA and FEDIL - The Voice of Luxembourg's Industry. The contribution of private collaborators such as PwC Luxembourg has also considerably contributed to the conference's distinction and renown.

Registration fees

Registration fees for the conference amount to €70. Every year, the proceeds from the registration are entirely donated to a charitable association, UP Foundation.