The Jacques Delors Agora is a four-day event jointly organised by three partners committed to promoting European citizenship and values: Académie Notre Europe (Paris), Academia Europea Leadership (Barcelona), and Scuola di Politiche (Rome). It brings together around one hundred young people from across Europe to engage with European policymakers and experts on the European Union’s main challenges and priorities for the next five years. Through debates and interactive workshops, the Agora empowers young Europeans to take an active role in shaping Europe’s future.

The event is open to anyone aged 18 to 35 who wishes to contribute to discussions on the future of Europe. Designed for participants from all backgrounds, it provides a unique forum where young Europeans can exchange ideas and help shape the future of the continent. As the entire programme is conducted in English, participants are recommended to have at least a B2 level (CEFR) to fully engage in the discussions. Geographic diversity is one of the selection criteria, ensuring the broadest possible representation of European nationalities.

Following editions in Lisbon (2024) and Barcelona (2025), the 2026 edition took place in Rome from 30 June to 3 July 2026. It was organised by Scuola di Politiche, Academia Europea Leadership, and Académie Notre Europe. Under the central theme “One Europe, One Market,” students and young leaders came together to discuss the future of the Single Market and explore solutions to overcome its fragmentation.

Agora Jacques Delors 2026 :

The 2026 edition of the Jacques Delors Agora centred on the theme “One Europe, One Market.” The programme featured conferences and debates on the future of the European Union with high-level speakers, including Jessica Roswall, European Commissioner; Enrico Letta, President of the Jacques Delors Institute and author of the Letta Report (2024); and Éric Philippart, Senior Expert on the Single Market at the European Commission. While the European Single Market was at the heart of the discussions, participants also explored broader issues such as European defence, geopolitical transformations and artificial intelligence. The programme was complemented by visits to iconic institutions, including the Italian Senate and the Capitoline Museums.

The opening conference featured Nicole Gnesotto, Vice-President of the Jacques Delors Institute, who addressed one of Europe’s most pressing challenges: European defence and the creation of a genuine European defence market. According to her, Russia’s war against Ukraine and the evolving position of the United States have made it imperative for Europe to strengthen its strategic autonomy. While there is broad consensus on the need to increase defence investment and support a stronger European defence industry, Member States continue to rely heavily on the United States, particularly through NATO. The creation of a European defence market—for instance through a European preference in defence procurement—remains a major challenge given national interests and existing dependencies. Although a stronger European defence has become more necessary than ever, building it remains a significant political, strategic and industrial undertaking.

The second conference, led by Geneviève Pons, Director and President of Europe Jacques Delors, focused on another key challenge: reconciling regulatory simplification with environmental ambition. She argued that harmonising Single Market rules is essential to the proper functioning of the European Union. However, the growing number of reporting requirements can also create unnecessary administrative burdens and reduce the effectiveness of European action. The challenge, therefore, is to better coordinate existing rules without weakening them. Simplification should not come at the expense of Europe’s ambitions; rather, it should lead to regulation that is clearer, more coherent and more effective.