The 9th European Economic Congress in Katowice brought together over 9,000 participants and more than 800 speakers on 10–12 May 2017. It was covered by 660 journalists representing 150 editorial teams. 132 thematic sessions were held. Over 2,500 people took part in the European Start-up Days accompanying the Congress.
In times that are not easy for Europe, but also difficult for the European economy, the very fact that so many people feel the need for a substantive conversation, an exchange of arguments and learning about other points of view can inspire hope for the European future.
The Congress hosted politicians with clearly polarised views, entrepreneurs from companies that differ in almost everything, people with impressive experience and ambitious young people gaining economic knowledge or starting out in business.
All of them wanted to gather in one place and were able to talk to one another, accepting differences, identifying common goals, seeking solutions and what unites them. This is a powerful charge of optimism against the energy that, in Europe, is meant to fuel divisions, frustrations and mutual grievances.
The Congress is evolving organisationally — around the core programme offer, projects and events creating “added value” are growing, such as the European Start-up Days and EEC – Leaders of the Future.