EUMETSAT is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to monitoring weather, climate, and environmental conditions from space. It operates a fleet of meteorological satellites that provide critical data to national weather services and international partners, supporting accurate weather forecasting and climate monitoring. EUMETSAT's mission is to deliver reliable satellite data and products that enhance the safety and well-being of European citizens and contribute to the global understanding of climate change.

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is the European Commission's science and knowledge service. It provides independent, evidence-based scientific and technical support to EU policies throughout the entire policy cycle. The JRC's mission is to create, manage, and make sense of scientific knowledge for better EU policies. It collaborates with policymakers, industry, and academia to address current and emerging societal challenges, ensuring that EU policies are grounded in sound science.

FEBIS is the Federation of Business Information Services, the specialized and recognized industry body of providers of global B2B Business Intelligence services for managing Trade Risks. While monitoring new legislation in many areas – from – from company law to data protection or finance, sustainability, and digital policy – FEBIS also oversees the application of public sources of data and information.FEBIS has developed into a sizable organisation comprising 157 Members in 60 countries, including all the 27 Member States, involved in providing Business Information services both nationally and internationally.Supported by a combined workforce of more than 30,000 employees, FEBIS members and associate members generate over 2 billion business reports annually. At the same time, aggregate sales turnover of FEBIS members and its associate members is in excess of €12 billion.Since its creation in 1973, FEBIS has striven to promote the Business Information Industry and to support the needs and interests of business information providers and associated service providers for their customers worldwide. Through information and analytics, FEBIS members facilitate commercial trade typically focused on B2B commercial credit decisions, mitigating risk in business decisions, and assisting in sustainable lending and day to day business decisions that develops existing commercial relationships and creates new ones.

Our mission EIPA was created in 1981 on the occasion of the first European Council held in Maastricht, and is supported by the EU Member States and the European Commission. Our core mission is to provide high quality training courses to develop the capacities of professionals, national and regional public administrations dealing with EU affairs, as well as the European Institutions. We offer long-standing expertise combined with problem- and practice-based teaching modules. We have been awarded four times the Framework Contract and offer and host many contract activities. At EIPA you benefit from our close ties with the European Commission, EU institutions and the different Member States. Training Centres We offer a broad range of high-quality training courses, from seminars to e-learning and tailor-made courses. Our training courses take place in our headquarters in Maastricht, an important hub of European dialogue, or in our training centre in Luxembourg. Do you want to change the date, location or programme of a course? Request a tailor-made course to meet the needs of your organisation or institute. What sets us apart? The variety of our training courses are perfect to integrate into the demanding schedules of busy professionals. They are designed to help you find your way through EU processes and policies, whilst strengthening your capacity to perform effectively in this area. Moreover, they take place in a European environment. You benefit directly from the views and best practices from participants from a wide variety of countries and sectors: a great opportunity to network!

EIT Food is one of the Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) established by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). It focuses on transforming the food sector to make it healthier, more sustainable, and trusted by consumers. EIT Food brings together partners from industry, startups, research centers, and universities to drive innovation and entrepreneurship across the entire food value chain. Through education, collaborative projects, and startup support, EIT Food aims to improve food production, reduce food waste, enhance food traceability, and empower consumers to make healthier, more informed choices.

The Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) of the European Commission focuses on creating a single market for goods and services, boosting industrial competitiveness, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the EU. Its mission is to foster economic growth, innovation, and job creation by reducing barriers within the EU internal market, enhancing the business environment, and promoting sustainable industrial policy and entrepreneurship. DG GROW also works to enhance the EU’s global competitiveness.

CEDEFOP, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, supports the development of vocational education and training (VET) policies within the European Union. It aims to strengthen European cooperation on VET to foster skill development, support employability, and respond to labor market needs. CEDEFOP conducts research, analysis, and provides expertise on VET systems, qualifications, and lifelong learning, helping policymakers and practitioners improve education and training frameworks across Europe.

The Political Festival of Europe is a yearly democracy festival that aims to gather citizens of Europe over the course of four days to discuss politics and embrace Europe’s rich history and cultural heritage. The Political Festival of Europe takes place in a town called Mariager – also known as the city of roses – an old, idyllic medieval town with crooked houses, cobblestoned streets and timber framed houses. With a modest population of just over 2,500 inhabitants, Mariager town will soon become the place where European democracy will come to life gathering hundreds of thousands of Europeans who want in on the future of Europe. Our mission is to be a place of: Courage – where we dare discuss the future of Europe “Peoplelization” – where we build communities as well as celebrate, showcase, and spread insights to local, regional, and national cultures Inspiration – where we establish debates, dialogues, hearings, and citizen involvement Accessibility – where we create an informal environment for citizens, politicians, and business leaders to meet Anchoring – where we anchor and raise the importance of our democracy for the future of Europe at a local level  In line with our missions, our vision is to “peoplelize” European politics and become a platform, where we strengthen democracy and unity in Europe. We aspire to become the political Olympic Games, where everyone has the possibility of participating in creating the future of Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic has given us all the more reason to create a platform, where we together can discuss European politics and its future. A platform, where people actively can get involved in developing European democracy. The inspiration behind Political Festival of Europe comes from the Nordic tradition of folkemøder –  a concept we want to take to the next level and raise from national settings to a pan-European setting in order to discuss matters that influence everyone in Europe. What is a Folkemøde?  The Danish tradition of Folkemøde [Folk – people; møde – meeting] is a public meeting that dates back to 1839. It is a political event that gathers people with different political views and positions in the interest of democracy. A Folkemøde takes form of informal discussions and speeches across opinions and hierarchy that strengthens active involvement of all participants – every one has a say, every one is heard. After the concept faded away in the 1940s, neighboring Sweden’s own form of folkemøde – Almedalsveckan introduced in 1968 – became the inspiration and groundwork for Denmark to revive the concept on the island of Bornholm in 2011 with their very own annual Folkemøde. It took on popularity fairly fast and has generated thousands of national visitors ever since. So far held at national levels, we aim to expand this concept to the whole of Europe. Here is why. What the purpose of a Folkemøde? The Danish model of Folkemøde is the cornerstone for democracy and pays tribute to the community. The foundation of a Folkemøde lies in dismantling barriers between citizens, politicians and decision-makers in order to bring politics closer to the people and to make society a better place for everybody.  The aim is to lead discussions about how to improve the future of the society and have citizens participate in shaping change. A “folkemøde” aims to: o   Inspire and challenge political views and visions o   Let people meet and listen to politicians they voted for o   Let people have a say and be heard o   Increase trust between citizens and decision-makers and hold politicians accountable o   “Peoplelize”, ;build a community where culture is showcased and celebrated o   Facilitate meaningful debates and anchor them in the political agenda  As cultural heritage is also celebrated in a Folkemøde, entertainment and good food are an integral part of such an event. Hence, at the Political Festival of Europe, you will be able to find arts and crafts, music and gastronomy, alongside the political debates, speeches, workshops, hearings etc.

The Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services, and Capital Markets Union (DG FISMA) of the European Commission is responsible for EU policies on financial services and the stability of financial markets. It works to ensure a secure, competitive, and integrated financial market across the EU. DG FISMA focuses on strengthening the resilience of the EU financial system, supporting economic growth, and protecting consumers by implementing rules for banking, insurance, capital markets, and investment services.

The InvestEU Programme provides the European Union with essential long-term funding by leveraging both private and public investments to support Europe’s sustainable recovery. It mobilizes private capital for the EU’s key policy priorities—including the green and digital transitions, innovation, and social investments focused on skills development.The InvestEU Portal brings together investors and project promoters through a comprehensive, EU-wide database of investment opportunities available within the EU, Norway, and Iceland. Managed by the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, InvestEU is central to unlocking Europe’s investment potential and driving sustainable growth.

The Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe (EPALE) is a multilingual, open membership community for professionals involved in adult education across Europe. Funded by the Erasmus+ programme, EPALE aims to enhance the quality and availability of adult learning opportunities by providing a platform for educators, trainers, researchers, policymakers, and others to share resources, news, events, and best practices. It fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange to support the development of adult education policies and practices throughout Europe.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is an advisory body of the European Union that represents civil society, including employers, workers, and various interest groups. It provides opinions on EU legislation and policies, ensuring that the voices of social and economic stakeholders are considered in decision-making. The EESC promotes participatory democracy, fosters dialogue between institutions and civil society, and contributes to shaping policies on economic, social, and environmental issues within the EU.

he Centre for European Reform is a think-tank devoted to making the European Union work better and strengthening its role in the world. The CER is pro-European but not uncritical. We regard European integration as largely beneficial but recognise that in many respects the Union does not work well. We also think that the EU should take on more responsibilities globally, on issues ranging from climate change to security. The CER aims to promote an open, outward-looking and effective European Union.

The Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD) is a department of the European Commission responsible for EU policy on research, science, and innovation. It aims to develop and implement policies that promote and support research and technological innovation to drive sustainable growth, competitiveness, and job creation within the European Union. The DG focuses on fostering collaboration between researchers, businesses, and public authorities, managing major research programs, and addressing societal challenges through scientific advancements and innovation. It plays a key role in initiatives such as Horizon Europe, which funds research and innovation projects across Europe.

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions is the largest organisation of local and regional governments in Europe. Its members are 60 national associations of towns, municipalities and regions from 41 countries that are part of the Council of Europe.

SGI Europe (formerly CEEP, the European Centre of Employers and Enterprises providing Public Services and Services of general interest) represents employers and enterprises providing services of general interest (SGIs) since 1961. Our members are organisations active in fields such as: Central & local administrations, Healthcare, Education, Social services, Housing, Waste management, Energy, Transport, Water, Environment, Communications.Modern services of general interest (SGIs) serve the fundamental goals of the EU, supporting business, social and territorial cohesion, economic and social solidarity, and a better quality of life for all citizens.

BETTER FINANCE — the European Federation of Investors and Financial Services Users — is the voice of European citizens as savers, investors, and financial users at the EU level. Working independently from the industry, BETTER FINANCE serves as an independent hub of financial expertise for the direct benefit of individual shareholders, investors, savers, life insurance policyholders, pension fund participants, and mortgage borrowers across Europe. Their work aims to promote research, information, and training on investments, savings, and personal finances to lawmakers and the public. BETTER FINANCE counts 40 independent, national, and international member organisations, sharing similar objectives from the EU Member States as well as Iceland, Norway, Turkey, Lebanon, and Cameroon.

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is the EU's assembly of local and regional representatives, providing sub-national authorities with a direct voice within the EU's institutional framework. Established in 1994, the CoR advises the European institutions on laws that affect EU cities and regions, ensuring that regional and local perspectives are considered in EU policymaking. Its mission is to involve regional and local authorities in the European decision-making process and to encourage greater participation from citizens.

The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) is an agency of the European Commission responsible for implementing programs that support innovation, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and entrepreneurship across Europe. EISMEA manages the European Innovation Council (EIC), which provides funding, acceleration services, and networking opportunities to high-potential startups, scale-ups, and researchers to foster breakthrough innovations. The agency also oversees initiatives that enhance business competitiveness, market access, and the growth of SMEs, aligning with EU policies aimed at driving economic development and sustainable innovation.

The Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME) is the voice of the leading banks in Europe’s financial markets, providing expertise across a broad range of regulatory and capital markets issues. We represent over 150 leading global and European banks and other significant market players. Our members play a vital role in Europe’s financial ecosystem, underwriting around 90% of European corporate and sovereign debt, and 85% of European listed equity capital issuances. Importantly, AFME members are market makers, providing liquidity, which is essential for ensuring financial markets can function efficiently. We also represent law firms and other associate members which advise market participants and support AFME’s legal and regulatory initiatives.