Setting the stage for discussions on competitiveness, security and digital transformation in Central and Eastern Europe and across the European Union.

Speaker:
Michał KANOWNIK, President of Digital Poland Association

About:
Central and Eastern Europe is increasingly becoming an important contributor to Europe’s digital transformation, competitiveness and technological resilience. As technological competition intensifies and digital technologies become critical to economic growth and security, the region has an opportunity to further strengthen its position as a dynamic hub of innovation and digital development. Meanwhile, limited data centre deployment, high energy costs and uneven access to advanced digital infrastructure risk constraining the region’s ability to fully benefit from cloud computing and artificial intelligence.

The discussion will explore how CEE countries can expand access to a broad range of technologies, deepen regional cooperation and strengthen partnerships with trusted international partners. Participants will examine how the proposed Cloud and AI Development Act (CADA) presents an opportunity to strengthen Europe’s digital foundations while ensuring that all regions can participate in and benefit from the next wave of technological transformation.

Moderator:
Kristen DAVIS, CEO & Founder, CinqC, former Director of Technology and innovation at New York Times

Speakers:
- Prof. Marko GROBELNIK, Digital Champion of Slovenia, AI Researcher at Jožef Stefan Institute & UNESCO IRCAI, Slovenia
- Marcin KRASUSKI, CEE Government Affairs and Public Policy Lead at Google Cloud
- Tomas PETRU, Policy Officer, Unit for Cloud and Software - Cloud Policy, European Commission
- Witold STRZELECKI, Managing Director, Business & Science Poland

About:
The European Union is entering a new phase of regulatory reflection aimed at simplifying and improving the coherence of the digital rulebook. This panel will explore perspectives from governments, industry, legal experts, and EU institutions on how regulatory simplification could support innovation while maintaining high standards. The discussion will focus in particular on the evolving EU digital acquis and its implications for businesses and policymakers in the CEE region.

This discussion will provide a platform for policymakers, industry representatives, and legal experts to exchange views on the evolving EU digital regulatory framework through the lens of boosting the region’s and entire EU’s competitiveness. The session will focus on key legislative initiatives and policy debates, including regulatory simplification efforts and new instruments shaping the European digital economy. Participants will discuss how upcoming regulatory developments may affect innovation, competitiveness, and the digital ecosystem in Central and Eastern Europe.

Moderator:
Karolina WIERCIOCH, Policy Analyst, Business & Science Poland

Speakers:
- Linda Holková LUBYOVA, Senior State Counsellor, Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatisation of Slovakia
- Nikola MODRUSAN, Director General, Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation, Croatia
- Doris POLD, CEO, Estonian Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications (ITL)
- Marianna SIDOROFF, Director of Department of Digital Economy, Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, Poland
- Konrad ŚLUSARCZYK, Director, Government Engagement CEE, VISA

About:
Artificial intelligence has the potential to become a major driver of productivity, competitiveness and economic growth in Central and Eastern Europe. While the region has strong digital talent, growing technology ecosystems and a dynamic SME sector, the adoption and scaling of AI solutions remain uneven. Unlocking AI’s full potential will require not only greater investment and skills development, but also a policy and regulatory environment that encourages experimentation, innovation and broad diffusion of AI technologies across the economy.

This session will explore how Central and Eastern European countries can accelerate AI adoption, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises, and build an enabling ecosystem for AI innovation. Speakers will discuss the role of data access, research and innovation frameworks, and balanced regulation in supporting the development and deployment of AI solutions and strengthening the region’s long-term competitiveness.

Moderator:
Grzegorz NAWROCKI, TVP World

Speakers:
- Benediktas GIRDVAINIS, Chief adviser to the Minister of the Economy and Innovation of Lithuania
- Jan KAVALIREK, CEE Ambassador for AI & New Technologies
- Carl Nyqvist, Director Commercial Sales, DACH, BeNeLux & Eastern Europe, AMD
- Marcin OLENDER, Public Policy Director, AI Chamber
- Balázs VINNAI, President, Hungarian Association of Digital Companies, IVSZ

About:
Central and Eastern Europe faces a rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, shaped by growing cyber threats, geopolitical tensions, digitalisation and the increasing dependence of economies and societies on digital infrastructure. At the same time, countries across the region are developing their own approaches, capabilities and policy frameworks, creating an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation and learn from each other's experiences.

This discussion will explore the most pressing cybersecurity challenges facing CEE and how countries in the region can work together to strengthen resilience. Speakers will share best practices and lessons learned from national cybersecurity strategies, discuss opportunities for closer cooperation and exchange of expertise, and consider where a stronger common regional approach could bring added value: from protecting critical infrastructure and public institutions to addressing cybercrime, emerging threats and the security of citizens online.

Moderator:
Maciej KORUS, Project Manager, CEE Digital Coalition

Speakers:
- Mai KRAFT, Estonia, Director of Information System Authority's National Cyber Security Centre
- Joanna ŚWIĄTKOWSKA, Secretary-General, European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO)
- Jagoda ZAKRZEWSKA, Governmental Affairs and Public Policy Manager, Google
- Gábor VARGA, regulatory expert, Hungarian Association of Digital Companies, IVSZ

Showing appreciation for true challengers making an effort for CEE’s progress on its path of digital transformation, the CEE Digital Trident will be awarded for the fourth time. It is time to announce the laureate of CEE Digital Trident 2026.

About:
The discussion will focus on strengthening regional cooperation through a coherent, regionally structured approach to national and European policy-making, engaging in cross-border joint technological projects and aligning national strategies to better leverage the region’s collective strengths. Participants will also explore how CEE countries can coordinate their positions to jointly position the region as a leading European digital hub.

Moderator:
Kristen DAVIS, CEO & Founder, CinqC, former Director of Technology and innovation at New York Times

Speakers:
- Lukáš KACENA, Government Commissioner for AI, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic
- Andrea POLERECZKI, State Secretary for Digital Affairs and the Development of a Digital State at the Ministry of Science and Technology of Hungary
- Iulian Cosmin MARGELOIU, Secretary of State, Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, Romania
- Michał KANOWNIK, President, Digital Poland Association
- Radoslav ŠTEFANEK, Ministry of Investment, Regional Development and Informatization of the Slovak Republic