Sustainable competitiveness, competitive sustainability – Challenges for the V4 countries - College of VIsegrad Opening conferencePontszerző: 3 pont
Sustainability and competitiveness have become one of the most important strategic challenges for the European Union (EU) and the Visegrád Four (V4) countries (the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary). As the EU is committed to meet the ambitious climate neutrality targets determined by the European Green Deal, it faces the complex task of transforming its economy without jeopardising its global position. For the V4 region, this challenge is particularly acute. These countries have traditionally relied on energy-intensive industries and manufacturing as the main drivers of economic growth. The transition to a low-carbon economy requires massive structural changes, significant investment in green infrastructure, and a shift away from fossil fuels. But how is it possible to balance between environmental regulations and the need to maintain economic competitiveness, ensure affordable energy and protect jobs? How can competitiveness remain sustainable, and sustainability remain competitive? Are European policies driven by values (Idealpolitik) or by interest (Realpolitik)? With its distinguished speakers, the conference aims to discuss these increasingly pressing issues, which will shape the region’s future.
The John Lukacs Institute for Strategy and Politics
of the Ludovika University of Public Service cordially invite you
to the Opening Conference of the 6th College of Visegrad+ entitled
“Sustainable competitiveness, competitive sustainability
– Challenges for the V4 countries”
Date: Friday, 16 October, 2026, 15.00-17.00
Venue: University of Public Service Ludovika, Main Building, Zrínyi Miklós Hall
(1083 Budapest, Ludovika square 2)
15:00-15:10 Opening remarks
Gergely Prőhle, Director, John Lukacs Institute for Strategy and Politics, Ludovika University of Public Service
15:10-15:20 Welcoming address
György Velkey, Parliamentary State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
15:20-15:35 Keynote speech: Sustainability and/or Competitiveness?
István Bart, Climate Policy Expert, Deputy State Secretary for Electrification and Decarbonisation, Ministry of Economy and Energy
15:35-15:50 Keynote speech: The role of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology in how the tackle global challenges and to help Europe compete
Adam Rottenbacher, Head of Operations, EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities, European Institute of Innovation and Technology
15:50-16:35 Roundtable discussion: Sustainability and Politics. Are European policies driven by values or interests? Realpolitik and/or Idealpolitik in the V4 countries
István Bart, Climate Policy Expert, Deputy State Secretary for Electrification and Decarbonisation, Ministry of Economy and Energy
Adam Rottenbacher, Head of Operations, EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities, European Institute of Innovation and Technology
Petr Just, Vice-Rector for Quality and Development, Head of Department of Political Science and Anglophone Studies, Metropolitan University Prague, Czechia
Piotr Arak, Chief Economist at VeloBank; Assistant Professor, Faculty of Economic Sciences at the University of Warsaw, Co-Founder of the Polish Economic Institute
Moderator: Gergely Prőhle
15:35-16:45 Q&A
16:45-17:15 Coffee Break
The conference will be held in English.
EJKK, John Lukacs Intézet