This Brussels-based hybrid event will explore how Ireland and Europe can effectively and strategically promote AI uptake, adoption, and innovation, to drive Europe’s competitiveness.

The expert panel will discuss how Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the EU can steer and tailor the direction of EU AI policy to bolster Europe’s competitiveness, following the various recent EU initiatives and strategies to promote AI in Europe. The discussion will also take stock of Europe’s progress two years after the publication of the Draghi report, and assess Europe’s record in translating the Draghi reports recommendations into reality. The panel will particularly examine how Ireland’s presidency can seek to address the barriers to AI development in Europe, promote AI innovation, and help to drive the productivity gains envisaged in the Draghi report, so that Europe can position itself at the forefront of AI development.

Please note that this hybrid event is taking place both online and in-person at Microsoft’s office in Brussels, Montoyer / Montoyerstraat 51, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.

This event is taking place on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

For in-person attendees this event is taking place at:
Brussels time: 6.00p.m. – 8.00p.m.

For online attendees this event is taking place at:
Dublin time: 5.30p.m. – 7.00p.m.
or
Brussels time: 6.30p.m. – 8.00p.m.

Please note the different start time for in-person and online attendees.
Please note the relevant time zone. 

For in-person attendees in Brussels there will be a post-event networking reception.

This event is co-organised by the IIEA and Microsoft.

Welcoming remarks will be provided by Katarina Wallin Bureau, General Manager, European Government Affairs, Microsoft.

Panellists for this event will include:

• Lucilla Sioli, Director of the EU AI Office;
• Zach Meyers, Director of Research, Centre on Regulation in Europe (CERRE);
• Dr Susanne Rompel, Head of Government Affairs Europe, SAP

Further speakers will be announced in due course.