The event took place last Saturday in Calonge, with the collaboration of Catalonia Internacional

The fourth edition of the Europa en Blau conference took place last Saturday in Calonge, organised for the second year running with the collaboration of Catalonia Internacional. This year's objective was to critically analyse and develop initiatives to address the challenges currently facing the European Union, particularly given the results of the June elections. In addition to several round-table discussions on the future of the European project, the event also included a tribute to the late Francesc de Paula Gambús Millet, former MEP and leader of Unió Democràtica de Catalunya.

The inaugural speech was given by Jaume Duch, spokesperson for the European Parliament. Duch stressed the importance of the European elections for the future of the EU and European politics in a context of instability and tension in international relations. In addition to an increase in voter turnout compared to the previous term, he mentioned that the rise of the far right had not been as dramatic as the polls had predicted. Even so, it remains to be seen what the new constitution of the European Parliament will look like and how it will be able to deal with some of the most urgent challenges, such as the EU's strategic autonomy, transatlantic relations with the United States and the strengthening of the Green Pact in the fight against climate change. Linked to this idea, Duch insisted that we must think about the EU we will have in 2029 and whether we will be able to overcome the threat posed by the rise of anti-European extremes and enter into a more constructive dynamic.

A first round table discussion then focused on highlighting the legacy of Gambús and his commitment to rights and values that ensure a fairer society and protect fundamental rights and freedoms. The round table was moderated by Oriol Lazaro, Mayor of Campdevànol and member of the Europa en Blau development group, with participation from Joana Ortega, former Vice-President of the Catalan Government and councillor of Barcelona City Council; Concepción Ferrer, former Member of the European Parliament; and Frederic López i Palau, former environmental advisor to the European Parliament and executive assistant in the company Kreab. In addition, Rosa Estaràs, Member of the European Parliament, and Esteban González Pons, Vice-President of the European People's Party, participated virtually. All the speakers highlighted Gambús' tireless work and profound dedication to championing the European project, making him a point of reference for citizens and a source of inspiration for working towards a more united Europe.

The second round table, moderated by Laura Foraster i Lloret, Secretary General of Catalonia Internacional, analysed the new challenges for the EU in the framework of sustainable competitiveness. The debate on the crisis of values in the social market economy and the challenges and opportunities for the future of sustainable economic development brought together two prominent speakers from the public and private sectors: Oliver Wiethaus, President of the German-speaking Directors' Circle; and Pau Solanilla, founder of Sostenibles.org and member of the Europa en Blau development group. In their speeches, both recalled the urgent need not only to defend values, but also to rebuild a new conception of progress that generates hope and fulfils promises. In this context, they agreed that the key lies in sustainability, which provides an opportunity to rethink social policy, promoting a just transition capable of adapting to the specificities and realities of the individual sector.

The conference was brought to a close by the Government of Catalonia's Minister for Foreign Action and European Union, Meritxell Serret, who insisted that the European Union must reclaim its founding values in order to re-establish its credibility and position as a key player on the international stage.