The 18th European Economic Congress convened in Katowice on Wednesday, drawing politicians, business leaders, and experts to the city's iconic Spodek arena for three days of debate on the continent's economic future. Under the motto "The Power of Dialogue," the forum—one of Central Europe's largest—placed geopolitics, defence, and economic self-sufficiency at the top of its agenda.
Jerzy Buzek, Poland's former prime minister and a former president of the European Parliament, set a stark tone in his opening address. "The era of an order based on competition has been replaced by an era of managed chaos," he said, urging Europe to accept that the old international order is gone for good. "The world is changing on an almost daily basis."
Buzek argued that Europe remains one of the few actors on the international stage still operating as if old alliance structures were intact. He called for the continent to stand on its own feet without severing ties with the United States. "We have to act in such a way that we do not part company with America, because that would be too risky," he said. "That is why resilience is the most important slogan."
Drawing on the advice of the late Polish-American strategist Zbigniew Brzeziński, Buzek noted that any assessment of the international situation should begin with a map. Poland, he said, combines a strong position within the European Union with an active role in security and energy—including, he emphasised, in securing the Baltic Sea.
Geopolitical Shifts and Economic Volatility
References to US policy ran through several speeches at the opening session, with speakers pointing to the implications of a more transactional Washington for European strategic planning. The discussion echoed broader concerns about geopolitical shifts and economic volatility challenging Europe's global role.
The second part of the session turned to geopolitics and energy, with speakers addressing instability in the Middle East and its knock-on effects for European industry and workers. Local officials, including Katowice mayor Marcin Krupa and Marshal of the Silesian Voivodeship Leszek Saługa, highlighted how Katowice has transformed itself from a coal-mining centre into a hub of modern industry.
Speakers paid tribute to the Spodek itself—the UFO-shaped arena built in 1971 that has become one of Poland's most recognisable buildings. According to local lore, thousands of soldiers were marched inside for hours during construction to test the stability of its then-controversial suspended roof structure.
The congress, which runs through Friday, will also cover energy transition, digitalisation, and the future of European industry. As the continent grapples with uncertainty, the message from Katowice is clear: Europe must adapt or risk being left behind. The event has already confirmed its return to Katowice in 2026, underscoring the city's role as a central venue for such discussions.
