Since its inception, Foro La Toja has advocated for liberal democratic values and an international order based on the strength of the Atlantic bond, multilateral cooperation, the negotiated resolution of conflicts, and free trade as a driver of development and prosperity. We continue to uphold these principles, which have fostered a long period of peace and social progress across the world. Today, this commitment demands an even greater dedication to defending these values and a better understanding of the circumstances that have led us to the current situation.
The disruptive drive of Trump’s second term has surprised even those who had already anticipated a new climate of instability in international relations. The optimism that typically accompanies the beginning of a new political cycle quickly gave way to concern over the tone of the new presidency, followed by unease regarding its first decisions, and lastly, to a widespread conviction that we have entered a new and unsettling phase in transatlantic relations and the international order.
The proposed solutions to the two major conflicts of our time—the wars in Ukraine and Gaza—, far from fostering a safer and more just world, have instead contributed to a climate of heightened uncertainty, where mass displacement of civilian populations or the right of conquest are being treated as acceptable practices, overriding international law. If the United States was once the principal architect of the old liberal international order, it now appears to be to be leading efforts to redefine it through a framework of imperial spheres of influence at the expense of law and international cooperation.
The figures, policies, and approaches that have taken hold in the leadership of the world’s foremost power have significantly altered the framework that has defined international relations since the end of the World War II, prompting various actors to rapidly adjust to this new reality.
The most evident example is Europe, which has been abruptly awakened to the urgent need of taking greater responsibility for its own defence. True to its historical pattern, the European Union has demonstrated its ability to respond effectively in times of crisis. As seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU has been able to swiftly reassess its priorities to adapt to emerging challenges. However, beyond commitment and increased defense spending, Europe must now design and implement the appropriate strategies to ensure its rearmament efforts are both effective and sustainable. The dramatic experience of Ukraine has served as a testing ground for the new capabilities required to ensure the continent’s defence.
The evolving dynamics of the transatlantic alliance will also play a crucial role in shaping global geopolitical balances. Some voices in Europe advocate for reassessing the strategic alliance with the United States in response to China’s commercial and technological aggressiveness. Trump’s rapprochement with Putin and his disregard for EU institutions should not serve as an excuse for Europe to lower its democratic standards in the face of China’s technological and commercial dominance. Instead, it should serve as a reason to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with other regions in an increasingly multipolar world.
Strategic and political uncertainties are further compounded by concerns over the economic consequences of the trade war initiated by the US administration. Experience has shown that trade wars slow economic growth and generate inflation. However, in today’s world, where supply chains are more diversified than ever, such conflicts could lead to a new economic recession.
For Europe, all these changes have come amid an ongoing debate about the need to restore its economic competitiveness. While the European Union had already begun realigning its priorities to better position itself against the United States and China, Trump’s policies have only accelerated a reaction that is now more imperative than ever.
Rarely has the global conversation faced so many complex and diverse challenges at once: the future world order, growth drivers, control of raw materials, and the energy outlook are just some of the pressing issues on the table. But there is also a profound reflection on the political threats that have led to the current situation: democratic societies have proven highly vulnerable to populism, polarisation, and misinformation. Our social, emotional, and political behaviours are being deeply affected by digitalisation, and the tech oligarchs who stood beside Donald Trump at his inauguration now seem to wield greater control over our lives than the politicians to whom we entrust the management of public affairs.
First confirmed speakers for this edition
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Alberto Núñez FeijóoPresident of the PP and leader of the opposition
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Alejandra KindelánPresident of the Spanish Banking Association (AEB)
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Alex RomeroFounder and CEO of Alto Intelligence
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Alfonso RuedaPresident of the Government of Galicia
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Alicia García HerreroEconomist
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Amanda SloatProfessor of Practice in the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University
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Ángel EscribanoPresident of Indra Systems
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Ángel ExpósitoPresenter and Director of La Linterna on COPE
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Ángela de MiguelPresident of Cepyme
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Anthony GoochSecretary-General of the European Industry Round Table
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Antón CostasPresident of the Economic and Social Council of Spain (CES)
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Arancha González LayaMinister of AAEE
(2020-2021). Dean of the Science Po Institute -
Beatriz Méndez VigoSecretary General of the CNI (2013-2017)
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Ben HodgesFormer commander of U.S. forces in Europe
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Borja OchoaChief Executive Officer (CEO) of Telefónica Spain
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Carissa VélizPhilosopher and professor at Oxford University
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Carlos CuerpoMinister of Economy of the Government of Spain
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Claudio Lago de LanzósManaging Director of Oliver Wyman for Spain and Portugal
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Ehud OlmertPrime Minister of Israel (2006–2009)
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Ernesto ZedilloPresident of Mexico (1994–2000)
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Eva PoptchevaFormer Member of the European Parliament and Vice-Chair of the Committee on Economic Affairs / Senior official at the European Parliament
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Eva ValleDirector General of Institutional, European, and Transparency Relations at the Bank of Spain
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Garry KasparovChairman Renew Democracy Iniciative
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Héctor FlorezPresident of Deloitte
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Jamil AnderliniPolitical Editor Europe
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Jordi SevillaMinister of Public Administration (2004–2007)
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José Ignacio Conde RuizDeputy Director of FEDEA
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José Juan RuizPresident of the Elcano Royal Institute
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Juan Manuel MorenoPresident of the Regional Government of Andalusia and Vice-President of the EU Committee of the Regions
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Mariano RajoyPresident of the Spanish Government
(2011-2018) -
Marc LópezDirector of Public Agenda
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Margaritis SchinasVice-President of the European Commission (2019–2024)
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Marta BlancoChairwoman of the International Relations Committee of the CEOE
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María Martín PratDirector-General for Trade of the European Union
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Meritxell BatetPresident of the National Council of the PSC / President of the Congress of Deputies (2019–2023)
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Michael BeckleyPolitical scientist
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Michael IgnatieffPrincess of Asturias Award for Social Sciences 2024
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Pablo García-BerdoyPermanent Representative of Spain to the EU (2016-2021) and Head of Public Affairs for Europe at LLyC
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Pablo Jarillo-HerreroCecil and Ida Green Professor of Physics, MIT
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Ricardo de QuerolDirector of Cinco Días
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Ruth DíazGeneral Manager of Amazon in Spain and Portugal
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Soraya Sáenz de SantamaríaDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidency (2011–2018) / Minister of Territorial Administration (2016–2018) and Government Spokesperson (2011–2016)
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Teresa García-MilàPresident of the Cercle d’Economia
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Xavier ColasJournalist. Author of Putinistan
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Yolanda GómezDeputy Director of ABC
2025 Programme
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- Thursday, October 2th
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16.30hOfficial opening
Amancio López. President of the La Toja Foundation
Alfonso Rueda. President of the Regional Government of Galicia
- La Toja Forum Award Ceremony - Josep Piqué
- 18.00hSpanish wine
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18.30hOpening speech
Michel Ignatieff. Princess of Asturias Award for Social Sciences 2024
In conversation with Soraya Saenz de Santamaría. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidency (2011–2018)
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19.00hDialogue: Institutions and Democracy
Ernesto Zedillo. President of Mexico (1994–2000)
Mariano Rajoy. Prime Minister of Spain (2011–2018)
Moderator:
Arancha González Laya. Minister of Foreign Affairs (2020–2021). Dean of the Science Po Institute
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- Friday, October 3th
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09.30hCompetitiveness factors of the Spanish economy I
Borja Ochoa. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Telefónica Spain
Teresa García-Milà. President of the Cercle d’Economia
Héctor Florez. President of Deloitte
Moderator:
Yolanda Gómez. Deputy Director of ABC -
10.15hEurope's Political Challenges
Amanda Sloat. Director-General for Trade at the European Union
Margaritis Schinas. Vice-President of the European Commission (2019-2024)
Jamil Anderlini. Editor of Europa Político
Juan Manuel Moreno. President of the Regional Government of Andalusia and Vice-President of the EU Committee of the Regions
- 11.30hCoffee-break
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12.00hThe World Economy after Trump
María Martín Prat. Director-General for Trade of the European Union
Alicia García Herrero. Economist
Michael Beckley. Political scientist
Moderator:
Eva Valle. Director General of Institutional, European, and Transparency Relations at the Bank of Spain -
13.00hPresentation
Alberto Núñez Feijoo. President of the People's Party and leader of the opposition
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16.30hCompetitiveness factors of the Spanish economy II
Claudio Lago de Lanzós. Managing Director of Oliver Wyman for Spain and Portugal
Moderator:
Marta Blanco. Chairwoman of the International Relations Committee of the CEOE -
17.15hGrowth and Prosperity
José Ignacio Conde Ruiz. Deputy Director, FEDEA
Ángela de Miguel. President of Cepyme
Alejandra Kindelán. President, Spanish Banking Association
Moderator:
Antón Costas. President, Spanish Economic and Social Council (CES)
- 18.00hCoffee-break
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18.30hPresentation
Carlos Cuerpo. Minister of Economy, Trade, and Business, Government of Spain
In conversation with José Juan Ruiz. President of the Elcano Royal Institute
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19.00hTechnology and geopolitics
Pablo Jarillo-Herrero. Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Physics, MIT
Carissa Véliz. Philosopher and professor at Oxford University
Moderator:
Alex Romero. Founder and CEO of Alto Intelligence
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- Saturday, October 4th
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09.30hCompetitiveness factors of the Spanish economy III
Jordi Sevilla. Minister of Public Administration (2004–2007)
Antony Gooch. Secretary-General of the European Industry Round Table
Eva Poptcheva. Former Member of the European Parliament and Vice-Chair of the Committee on Economic Affairs / Senior official at the European Parliament
Modera:
Ricardo de Querol. Director of Cinco Días -
10.30hNew Conflicts, New Capabilities
Ben Hodges. Former commander of US forces in Europe
Beatriz Méndez Vigo. Secretary General of the CNI (2013-2017)
Moderator:
Ángel Expósito. Presenter and director of La Linterna on COPE radio
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11.30hTowards a World Without Rules?
Ehud Olmert. Perdana Menteri Israel (2006-2009)
Moderator:
Pablo García-Berdoy. Permanent Representative of Spain to the EU (2016-2021) and Head of Public Affairs for Europe at LLyC - 12.00hCoffee-Break
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12.30hClosing Session
Garry Kasparov. Chairman Renew Democracy Iniciative
Conclusions:
Carlos López Blanco. President of the Organizing Committee of the La Toja Forum-Atlantic Link
Moderator:
Xavier Colas. Journalist. Author of Putinistan
Press room