(ANSA) - ROME, AUGUST 10 - The debate on the future of the Old Continent will be at the center of the 29th edition of the Economic Forum of Krynica Zdròj (Poland), renamed the "Davos for Eastern Europe" by experts, scheduled from 3 to 5 September, with the participation of over 4,500 guests among politicians, experts, managers from over 60 countries: as suggested by this year's leading theme "Europe of Tomorrow. 'Strong' Meaning What?", the conference will focus on how the Old Continent will cope in the next decade and on strategies that should guide the European governments in the global system.

"For a long time, Europe has not been able to deal with its internal problems, above all Brexit. The United Kingdom was supposed to leave the EU from 29 March, but the fate of Brexit negiotations hangs in balance. In the CEE region, cooperation flourishes within the Visegrad Group. Likewise, the Three Seas Initiative, although frowned upon in Western Europe, keeps developining. In global politics, we can see unfold the US-China trade war and mounting tensions between the United States and Iran. These are incidents that may have a huge impact on world politics and economy in near future, and their consequences may endure for years," says Zygmunt Berdychowski, the conference founder and chairman of its programme council. "Only speaking with a common voice can Europe show its strenght. Divergences on fundamental issues lead to fragmentation, with the stronegest players eventually pushing through their interests. One good exaple of when European leaders managed to find common ground was the settlement of the years-long conflict between governments in Skopje and Athens over what what eventually became Northern Macedonia. Only a united, shared vision of the future, respecful of individiual historical experiences and interests, can secure strength and competitive advantage that Europe needs to count as a superpower. Egoism will get us nowhere in the end. Although economically strong, Europe is ageing fast and risks falling out of the race," adds Berdychowski.

The programme of this year's Forum will include five plenary sessions, as well as over 200 panel discussions structured under several thematic paths. Delegates will address issues from the following areas: business and management, investment and development, Europe and the world, macroeconomics, the new economy, state and reforms, society as well as international policy, security, energy and innovation. Traditionally, the Healthcare and Regions' Forums will also take place. Among the awards, there will certainly be one for "The Man of The Year".

Last year, it went to Prime Minister of Lithuania, Saulius Skvernelis. Among the presences announced by Italy the President of the Port Authority of the Northern Adriatic Sea Pino Musolino, the president of the European Economic and Social Committee (Cese), consultative body of the EU, Luca Jahier, the secretary general of Eurispes, Marco Ricceri, general secretary Fafce, Nicola Speranza, and the president of the Italian Association 4 Blockchain, Pietro Azzara. The Italian proposals for the cultural program include a meeting with the essayist Claudio Magris to discuss his book "Snapshots" and the screening of the documentary film "Hunting Pollution" on the anti-smog murals project in Rome, created by Yourban 2030, a non-profit female guided by Veronica De Angelis who will be present for a debate.

(ANSA).