Speakers Detail

Jan Cienski

Senior Policy Editor
POLITICO

Moderator

Behind Closed Doors with Glenn Schmidt

A candid conversation with Glenn Schmidt, Vice President of Global Sustainability at BMW Group, on Europe’s EV transition, industrial competitiveness and navigating the global race for a more resilient automotive sector.

Chat Economy Trade

Thursday, 21. 5. 2026

13:30–14:00 CEST

POLITICO Speakeasy

Behind Closed Doors with General John R. Allen & Lieutenant General Ben Hodges

A candid conversation with General John R. Allen and Lieutenant General Ben Hodges on the future of transatlantic security, military readiness and the strategic lessons shaping NATO and European defence.

Chat Defence NATO

Friday, 22. 5. 2026

09:15–09:40 CEST

POLITICO Speakeasy

Behind Closed Doors with Marcin Przydacz

A candid conversation with Marcin Przydacz, Secretary of State and Head of the International Policy Bureau at the Chancellery of the President of Poland, on Warsaw’s evolving security relationship with the U.S., Europe’s defense buildup and the lessons from Ukraine reshaping Poland’s military strategy.

Chat Defence Ukraine

Friday, 22. 5. 2026

14:30–15:00 CEST

POLITICO Speakeasy

Behind Closed Doors with General Aurelio Colagrande

A candid exchange with General Aurelio Colagrande, NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, on the lessons from Ukraine, the future of NATO defense innovation and Europe’s readiness for the next generation of conflict.

Chat Defence Ukraine

Friday, 22. 5. 2026

15:30–16:00 CEST

POLITICO Speakeasy

Behind Closed Doors Pål Jonson

A candid conversation with Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson on Russia’s military threat along Europe’s eastern flank and Sweden’s renewed role in European defense as NATO’s newest member.

Chat Defence

Saturday, 23. 5. 2026

10:45–11:05 CEST

POLITICO Speakeasy

Behind Closed Doors with Róbert Vass

A candid conversation with Róbert Vass, President of GLOBSEC, reflecting on the defining themes, geopolitical shifts and key takeaways shaping this year’s GLOBSEC Forum.

Chat Global Systemic Transformation

Saturday, 23. 5. 2026

12:05–12:35 CEST

POLITICO Speakeasy