The FII PRIORITY Europe Summit concluded in Tirana with a compelling call for economic transformation across the continent. Gathering over 500 participants including heads of state, global CEOs, and next-generation changemakers, the summit presented a bold roadmap for investment, innovation, and inclusive growth.

French President Emmanuel Macron declared the beginning of a “new phase of Europe’s journey,” calling for streamlined regulation, and accelerated investment in green technology, artificial intelligence, and defense.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted Albania’s emergence as a dynamic investment destination and a bridge between East and West. “Albania is good friends with many. We are strategic partners of the EU and US, and close partners to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Gulf countries,” he said, emphasizing openness and adaptability as national strengths.

In the opening conversation with His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), he reaffirmed Europe’s central role in global investment strategy.

A standout session — Board of Changemakers — brought together: H.E. Matteo Renzi, Senator of the Italian Republic, Former Prime Minister of Italy; Mohamed Alabbar, Founder, Emaar Properties; Founder, Noon.com; Prof. Adah Almutairi, Professor & Co-Director, Center of Excellence in Nanomedicine & Engineering, University of California San Diego; Samir Mane, President, BALFIN Group; Bernard Mensah, President of International, Bank of America; Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO & Director, Alstom to tackle the question: Can Capital Connect a Fractured World? The panel called for bold action on over-regulation, talent development, and the reinvention of education systems to better match future labor markets.

In a powerful conversation on the evolving nature of influence, Linda Rama, the Prime Minister’s wife joined Cécilia Attias to explore the role of transparency and professionalism in leadership. “When you truly get close to the youth, you find a power in them we don’t possess,” Linda Rama reflected.

Penny Richards, CEO of the FII Institute, summarized the summit’s tone: “We heard a clear message — change is no longer optional. Europe is ready to redefine its global role with renewed energy and purpose.”

Building on that momentum, the FII Institute unveiled its latest three publications— each a pivotal step in our mission to catalyze real-world solutions to global challenges. From the shifting dynamics of the workforce to the transformative power of intelligence and a year defined by purposeful impact, these reports offer a bold blueprint for a more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready world.

The FII PRIORITY Europe Summit concluded with a forward-looking dialogue — Old Europe, Young Voices — chaired by Richard Attias, Chairman of the FII Institute’s Executive Committee. The session called for urgent reform in education and inclusion of youth voices in policy and investment. As angel investor Elsa Hyland stated: “Include us in the conversation — we know what’s happening on the ground.”

The FII PRIORITY Europe Summit underscored Europe’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and strategic autonomy in a rapidly evolving global landscape. By addressing these critical areas, the summit aimed to position Europe as a resilient and forward-thinking economic powerhouse in the 21st century.

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