Patria at Europe Forum 2026

Patria is participating in the Europe Forum in Turku, Finland 26–28 August 2026 as one of the event’s strategic partners.

European security, economy, and democracy are undergoing major changes – and these are directly reflected in the people’s everyday lives, for example in energy prices, changes to working life, and the sense of security. These issues will be explored at the ninth Europe Forum.

The Europe Forum will once again feature contributions from influential figures and experts from various fields in Finland and elsewhere in Europe. The central theme of this year’s edition of the EU’s number one debate arena is “Building EU’s success on values, innovations, and security”.

Patria will support the event with two panel discussions on these topics:

Defence spending as a driver of growth

Wednesday 26 August 13:30 - 14:15 (EEST)

The European defence industry is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. This growth will create jobs and employment opportunities in Finland. The opening of European export markets enables the Finnish defence industry to reach export volumes worth billions of euros in the years ahead. How can a rearming Europe act more effectively together? What can Finland contribute to – and gain from – this deepening cooperation?

Panelists: Panu Routila, President and CEO, Patria; Mika Aaltola, MEP (EPP, NCP); Antti Kaikkonen, MP, Chair of Centre Party of Finland; TBD, European Commission.

From practice to progress: Innovations strengthening Europe’s security

Wednesday 26 August at 14:30 - 15:15 (EEST)

In many ways, the war in Ukraine has accelerated innovation in the defence sector and challenged long-held assumptions. What has changed? Have Finland and other European NATO countries – along with their defence industries – responded to these changes with the necessary determination? What key insights have been overshadowed by the drone debate? What new innovations and defence needs should we focus on as we consider both security and export potential?

Panelists: Kari Renko, Executive Vice President, Strategic Programs, Major General (Ret.), Patria; Pekka Toveri, MEP, (EPP, NCP); Tuomas Tiilikainen, Rear Admiral,  Commander of the Finnish Navy; Veli-Pekka Luoma, Program Director, Nokia Solutions and Networks.

The panels are moderated by Jan Erola, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Nordic Defence Review. You can take part in the discussions on site or via the live broadcasts online.