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Second Europa Power Conference : 12 priorities for a stronger Europe | Strasbourg, 21–23 October 2026
What kind of power does Europe need to stay in control of its own destiny? That was the question behind the second Europa Power Conference, held in Strasbourg last week.
New Europeans is one of the co-founders of the Europa Power Initiative, and we are pleased to share what came out of it.
The initiative started in November 2025 under the auspices of the think tank EuropaNova. Its aim is to bring together people from politics, business, academia, public administration, culture and civil society across Europe. Their shared call is for a stronger Europe in every area where it is needed, working for its peoples, their prosperity and their human and social rights.
Three days, more than 300 participants
This year the conference brought more than 300 participants to some of Strasbourg’s best-known venues.
These included the European Parliament, the Grand Est Regional Council, City Hall and the Palais de la Musique et des Congrès. It had strong support from the Grand Est Region, the City and Eurometropolis of Strasbourg, and the European Collectivity of Alsace.
- 21 October was organised around networks: think tanks, youth and women’s networks, social and impact economy organisations, investors, academia and technology.
- 22 October opened with a plenary session. Participants then split into multidisciplinary working groups.
- 23 October saw the results presented at the European Parliament.
12 priorities for a stronger Europe
The working groups built on the Strasbourg Declaration adopted in 2025. They agreed twelve priorities under four ambitions:
- A democratic and civic power: simpler, faster EU decision-making; more direct influence for citizens over European decisions; a Europe that leads on gender equality and women’s leadership; and more chances for young people to take part, including a second mobility pillar alongside Erasmus through a much larger European Solidarity Corps.
- A prosperous and sustainable power: using European savings and capital for strategic investment; a climate transition that raises people’s purchasing power; and European champions in technologies such as AI, quantum and fusion.
- A global and respected power: a stronger European pillar of NATO and alliances based on shared values; and Europe’s intellectual and cultural forces working together against disinformation.
- A scientific and cultural power: independent media and investigative journalism; academic freedom; and lasting funding for European culture.
Why this matters to New Europeans
Since 2013, New Europeans has campaigned for a Europe of its citizens. Several of these priorities match that mission closely: giving citizens real influence over EU decisions, opening European mobility to all young people, and defending democracy, free media and civic education.
“Europe’s power will only last if it is legitimate, and it will only be legitimate if citizens have a real stake in it. Democratic resilience is not a soft extra; it is the foundation of European strength. As co-founders of the Europa Power Initiative, we will help turn these twelve priorities into reality across Europe.”
— Roger Casale, Founder, New Europeans
What comes next
The conference is only one step. EuropaNova will lead the next stage of the initiative together with the community of co-founders, including New Europeans.
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