BIG events series

Competitiveness in an age of geoeconomics: In conversation with Minister Thomas Byrne

Recorded at BIG’s event on 26 May 2026, this conversation explored how Europe can strengthen its competitiveness in an age of geoeconomics, against the backdrop of global instability, strategic rivalry, and the upcoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU. Leading the discussion was RTÉ’s Europe Editor Tony Connelly, who spoke with Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne about Europe’s economic resilience, technological sovereignty, industrial policy, and the geopolitical challenges shaping the continent’s future.  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Europe’s defence sector: Building the foundations of strategic autonomy

Recorded at BIG's event on 7 May 2026, this panel discussion explored how Europe's defence industrial capacity can be leveraged and coordinated to bolster the continent's strategic autonomy in the light of the threat from Russia and American strategic abandonment. Leading the conversation was BIG's Senior Defence Fellow Claude-France Arnould, who formerly served as Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency. She asked Indra Group's David Luengo and SAAB's Mikael Isaksson about Europe's home-grown potential - and what it needs to flourish. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

European digital sovereignty: Secure, competitive and free

Recorded at BIG’s event on 7 May 2026, this exchange of insights on the urgent challenge of European digital sovereignty brought together two of its leading advocates: Marietje Schaake, International Policy Director at the Stanford University Cyber Policy Center as well as a former MEP (2009-19), and Paul Timmers, professor at KU Leuven and European University Cyprus, and a former Director at the European Commission’s DG CONNECT. How can Europe become a competitive player in the digital revolution – and avoid a dystopian scenario in which the tools of tomorrow's prosperity are outsourced to MAGA and its Silicon Valley acolytes? ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Energy security in an age of conflict: Lessons from the Iran war for the EU

Recorded at BIG’s event on 28 April 2026, the conversation focused on how Europe can strengthen its energy security in an age of conflict. Jilles van den Beukel (HCSS), Brendan Devlin (European Commission), and Maria Pastukhova (E3G), in a discussion moderated by BIG Energy Fellow Thijs Van de Graaf, explore what the Iran war reveals about the EU’s energy vulnerabilities, from fossil fuel dependence and fragile supply routes to price volatility, market uncertainty, and geopolitical risk. The event looks at how the EU can build a more resilient energy strategy through diversification, preparedness, and a stronger focus on secure and sustainable energy systems. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.