The future of Europe: understanding what’s ahead for business and society
Admiral Sir Keith Blount, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, NATO
Olga Cebotari, Moldovan politician and former Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, Government of Moldova
Brian Coulton, Chief Economist, Fitch Ratings

Negotiations continue, but in many ways Russia and Ukraine appear further from peace than ever; Europe’s politicians debate the future of the bloc and their commitment to defence; and both business and society face a future filled with uncertainty. What is the future of Europe, and what role to commercial leaders play in ensuring it’s a one in which wealth is generated and prosperity is shared? How can the region align despite different cultures and political systems. We’ll be joined in this debate by a panel of leaders from across the region who are prepared to share their own thoughts on what the future holds. Admiral Sir Keith Blount is a senior Royal Navy officer who is a qualified helicopter pilot; his prior roles include as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff, and as Head of the Fleet Air Arm. He is currently based in Mons, Belgium at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe as deputy leader of NATO’s military command structure. Olga Cebotari is Moldovan politician and diplomat who was previously Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration. She is a member of the leadership body of the Party of Socialists, and a prominent voice within Eastern European politics. Brian Coulton leads Fitch Rating’s global economics team, having previously been Emerging Markets Strategist at Legal and General Investment Management. Prior to that, Brian worked for Fitch in Hong Kong as Head of Asia Pacific Sovereigns, and in London as Head of EMEA Sovereigns and Global Economics. He was formerly an Economic Adviser at HM Treasury.

To be followed by a facilitated member discussion.

This session will commence with drinks, and will include light food.