AEB 25+ Anniversary Conference

However, the present does not look so bright: our economies and societies are currently facing great challenges. Recent trends show the resurgence of protectionism while cooperation and trade, bided by clear and fair rules of the game, are losing momentum. The consequences of climate change are calling for robust long-term mitigation and adaptation strategies as well as cutting-edge green technologies and investments. Finally, the current public health and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will have long-term repercussions on business models and supply chains while it is already clear that Moscow and Brussels will come out of it weakened, both in absolute terms and relative to other global political actors.

In this context, the European Union and Russia have much to gain from a revival of their relations. Maintaining and developing cooperation in fields such as environment, the Arctic or 5-G technologies between Moscow and Brussels could be one mechanism for getting out of the current lockdown and resetting bilateral relations.

How can European and Russian businesses overcome the obstacles they face? What strategies have proven to be the most effective and how do companies evaluate their prospects? What the EU and Russia could do to unlock the potential of green growth for the benefit of their economies, societies, and future generations? Can the current public health and economic crisis trigger conciliatory gestures and deepen cooperation between the EU and Russia? Can partnerships in education and science, research and innovation or new technologies be a driver for a positive change?