The European Union's proposed regulation on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) has ignited debate over its potential impact on innovation, competitiveness, and national security in Europe. A roundtable hosted by Euractiv and Qualcomm will explore the future of SEPs, focusing on the regulation's implications for national security, the role of courts in intellectual property disputes, and achieving a balanced approach for patent holders and implementers.

With the EU's Public Country by Country Reporting and CSRD Directive set to take effect in 2024, tax transparency is becoming integral to the EU's legal reporting framework. The European Business Tax Forum (EBTF) is facilitating discussions on the implications of these initiatives, highlighting the need for a fact-based public debate on the tax contributions of major multinationals in Europe. The conference aims to address sectoral differences in tax transparency, the adequacy of upcoming reporting obligations, and the role of European multinationals in enhancing EU competitiveness.

Wiener Stadtwerke, under the leadership of Director-General Peter Weinelt, aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2040. The company is committed to maintaining energy security and affordability for both citizens and industries while pursuing its environmental goals.

Urban mobility is crucial for the EU's green transition, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050. A study by EIT Urban Mobility highlights significant progress in reducing emissions and improving traffic congestion through innovation. By 2030, CO2 emissions could decrease by 21% with increased public transport and active transport modes like walking and cycling. The transition poses economic impacts, with discussions on financing infrastructure and ensuring accessibility for all citizens.

The European steel industry, a key component of the EU's industrial value chains, faces challenges from global overcapacity, unfair trade practices, and high energy costs. The proposed EU Steel Action Plan aims to address these issues by securing investments in green steel and protecting jobs. A EUROFER conference at the European Parliament will discuss immediate actions and strategic measures needed to maintain Europe's competitive edge in climate-neutral production, coinciding with the new European Commission's commencement and President Ursula von der Leyen's pledge for decisive action.

Media freedom in Europe faces significant challenges, with disinformation and bias prevalent in Eastern Neighbourhood countries like Georgia, Moldova, and Belarus. The European Media Freedom Act, effective from May 2024, aims to address these issues, but its adequacy is questioned. The F.R.E.I.H.E.I.T project works to combat disinformation through fact-checking and independent journalism. A Euractiv Virtual Conference discusses these challenges, exploring how EU support and collaboration with Eastern Neighbourhood journalists can be strengthened to protect media freedom.

District heating systems, crucial for 67 million Europeans, are undergoing a decarbonisation process to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. While some low-temperature systems have been fully decarbonised using technologies like heat pumps and geothermal energy, high-temperature systems face challenges with limited options such as biomass and energy storage. The transition requires addressing technical, regulatory, and economic challenges, especially in densely populated cities. Regulatory frameworks and mechanisms aligned with the Fit for 55 package are essential to support investment and ensure a feasible transformation. The Euractiv Hybrid Conference will discuss the future role of district heating systems, technological and regulatory solutions, cost minimisation for users, and the potential of power-to-heat solutions.

The European Union is enhancing consumer protection in the digital realm through new legislation, including the upcoming Digital Fairness Act, which will impose standards on industries like e-commerce and entertainment. The EU Commission is reviewing existing consumer laws to ensure they meet the demands of the digital age. The Artificial Intelligence Act and Digital Services Act aim to regulate AI and online content, respectively, to create a fair digital environment. The Euractiv Hybrid Conference will explore these topics, focusing on the role of public consultation and lessons from industries like the lottery sector in preventing addictive behaviors.

The European Green Deal's Farm to Fork Strategy aims to make Europe's food systems more resilient, healthier, and sustainable by integrating agricultural, ecological, and nutritional aspects. The transition to sustainable food systems is urgent due to climate crisis factors like soil degradation and biodiversity loss, as well as rising obesity levels. Farmers are crucial in this transition, and recent EU protests emphasize the need for financial support and policy adaptation. The Euractiv Hybrid Conference will address financial challenges, policy frameworks, and market conditions to support sustainable practices.

The future of EU-US trade relations is poised for change with the upcoming 2024 elections on both sides of the Atlantic. The Trade and Technology Council, established in 2021, serves as a platform for revitalizing transatlantic cooperation on trade, economic, and technology issues. The outcome of the elections could lead to shifts in priorities and strategies, potentially impacting trade agreements and competitiveness policies. Key questions include the impact on European multinationals and SMEs, the role of the US Inflation Reduction Act, and the implications for EU security and defense in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The conference aims to explore these issues and the potential for new agreements and collaborations.