Against a backdrop of entrenched geopolitical conflicts, democratic strains, and new inequalities, the international climate co-operation and green transition are clearly under threat. The energy bottleneck in the aftermath of the war in Iran and the great-power competition over technology add to the setbacks of the sustainability agenda.

At the same time, the European Union is striving to build green leadership and defend its sustainability policies alongside competitiveness. The broader region of south-east Europe and the Mediterranean has a critical role to play in this global discussion, not least because it is among the areas most vulnerable to climate change, but also due to its proximity to the main geopolitical hotspots.

This 10th anniversary edition of the two-day summit is scheduled to take place on December 10th-11th, 2026 at the Divani Apollon Palace and Thalasso hotel in Kavouri, Athens, Greece. It will bring together high-ranking government officials and prominent personalities from politics, business, academia, civil society and the European and international institutions shall be invited to brainstorm, openly debate and put forward new proposals on the issues the summit will be addressing.

• How are both peace and the green transition linked to the issue of democracy?
• How can cities balance growth, resilience and sustainability for future generations?
• How can governments rebuild public trust in climate policy?
• How can energy-market reforms combine decarbonisation, affordability, energy security
  and a just transition?
• How has geopolitical upheaval affected the maritime sector and trade resilience?
• Which policies can effectively address the challenge of affordable housing?
• How can agriculture become more resilient?
• What skills will the next generation need to lead the green transition?

More to come—please check back soon.