Just ahead of the 60^th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, Europe is facing heightened uncertainty about its future despite the European Commission’s unexpectedly positive Economic Outlook for 2017 and 2018.  We can safely predict that many changes will affect European companies between now and the FERMA Forum from 15-18 October, but we are far from being able to say exactly what they will be.

On the horizon are the still-to-be clarified plans of the new US administration in key policy areas, numerous elections in Europe and the upcoming “Article 50” negotiations with the United Kingdom. These Brexit negotiations, combined with changing leadership in France, Germany, the Netherlands and perhaps Italy, could divert attention from other important issues such as the Greek debt and economic reforms.

The panel will assess the risks and opportunities for Europe at the cross-roads. Will it make a new beginning or find itself at a standstill?