Rediscovering Wonder: The Future of Fundamental Science in an Age of Commercialization This panel advocates for rekindling of the essence of scientific inquiry and discovery, inspired by the legacy of thinkers like Richard Feynman, in the face of prevailing incentives for commercial and applied utilizations. This discussion explores the state and future of fundamental science, focusing on how the drive towards efficient specialization and commercial applications may be overshadowing the intrinsic curiosity that fuels scientific discovery. In an era dominated by rapid advancements in applied sciences, this discussion seeks to rekindle the joy and awe at the heart of pure scientific inquiry, much in the spirit of Richard Feynman. Participants will debate the current landscape of fields like physics, where the anticipation for the 'next big thing' persists, and discuss strategies to balance the push for practical outcomes with the foundational pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. The panel will address how the scientific community can nurture an environment that celebrates fundamental research and does not shy away from holistic perspectives. Society & Politics Is it possible to augment stability and safeguard freedom in liberal democracies, amid rapid socio-political changes and growing extremization at all ends of the ideological and social spectrum? This panel assesses the shifting dynamics within developed democracies of the Euro-Atlantic space, where both ends of the political spectrum display increasing activism, complicating the search for a moderate political middle. The session will delve into the complexities and unprecedented pace of social and political changes, discussing their implications for governance amidst significant policy challenges—from digital and environmental transformations to cultural debates and migration issues. Additionally, the panel will consider the effects of polarization, opportunism, and populism on effective governance, exploring whether this seeming disorder can be managed or even reversed, and what strategies might be employed to stabilize these trends in the short and long term. Trade Realities: European Uncertain Autonomy and Global Geoeconomics This stage discussion explores the implications of Europe's quest for resiliency and selective autonomy on its global trade relationships, regional economic stability, and overall competitiveness in an uncertain global environment. The debate will dissect the current state of global trade, examining the precarious balance between maintaining open commercial flows and responding to increasing geopolitical pressures. It analyzes the mixed outcomes of Europe's strategic shifts towards greater economic sovereignty, highlighting the challenges posed by external dependencies, particularly with China and the U.S., and the internal disparities among how EU regions are vulnerable to these shifts. The discussion will address Europe's vulnerabilities and opportunities in technology and production, the broader impact of protectionist trends on global trade architectures, incorporating also the business and supply chain perspectives. With the evolving landscape of globalization—marked by cautious engagement and selective isolation—the panel will explore viable strategies for Europe to navigate these dilemmas, ensuring resilience in a fragmenting global economy. The Yin and Yang of the Digital Century This panel will assess how the dualities of the digital economy can be navigated amidst rising entropy and the unexpected effects of regulatory attempts. Doesn’t it sometimes just feel painful to stay a tech optimist? Sure, the past decade of rapid digitalization brought about improved interactions between citizens and state administration, more space for the suppressed and marginalized voices, more social and economic interconnectedness and market opportunities. It helps research and science, logistics, or efficiency. It makes life for many much easier. But for some more so than for others. The ruthless data commodification, highly corporate framework of digital social networks, privacy and cybersecurity concerns and vulnerabilities, the profound societal pathologies induced by continuous smartphone and social network use permeated our societies and economies in perhaps an irreversible way. One specific aspect that seems to be overlooked is the enormous increase of entropy in society due to digitalization, and with entropy comes disorder and uncertainty, at least for some. In other words, digitalization has a growingly disparate impact on different parts of societies and regions, leaving many vulnerable behind. In such an entangled environment any policy or regulation attempt will have trouble with success while likely bringing about unexpected and undesired effects: precisely because of the extreme increase of entropy. At the same time, if these deepening negative effects go unchallenged, it will further fuel the erosion of democratic societies. The Quicksands of Governance How can we realistically work out and pursue policies when governance effectiveness is lacking behind the societal complexity and divisiveness? This panel probes into the shifting landscape of democratic governance, particularly in light of the impending European Parliamentary elections, the formation of a new EU Commission, and the significant topic of future Ukrainian EU membership. It will explore the specific challenges of governing a deeply polarized society amid the rapid pace of multiple converging —ranging from digital transformation and energy shifts to geopolitical tensions and trade realignments. The discussion will also assess how these dynamics could influence the EU's legislative and policy-making processes, focusing on strategies for effective governance that can accommodate the complexities of modern Europe and ensure cohesive policy responses to both internal divisions and external pressures.