Join us in Brussels for the 12th European Retail Innovation Summit, a key moment for shaping the future of competitive and sustainable retail across Europe.

With just over a week to go, anticipation is building for Forum Europe’s 12th European Retail Innovation Summit, taking place in Brussels on 10 April 2025. Held in partnership with Ecommerce Europe and EuroCommerce, the event will bring together leading voices from across the retail and e-commerce landscape to shape the future of one of Europe’s most vital economic sectors.

Featuring keynote addresses from Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, and Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection, this event - formerly known as the Ecommerce Europe Conference - builds on a legacy spanning over a decade of expertise to deliver the latest developments in consumer policy. It provides a timely and influential platform for high-level dialogue on innovation, competitiveness, sustainability, and consumer trust.

Under the theme “Driving Competitive Retail in Europe”, the Summit will explore how the EU can strengthen its retail sector while protecting consumers, embracing technological innovation - particularly in AI - and advancing its sustainability agenda. As retail continues to play a central role in the EU’s economic resilience and digital transition, this year’s conference will unite policymakers, business leaders, NGOs, and digital experts to chart a strategic course for the sector in an era of rapid transformation and global competition.

Attendees can expect in-depth debate, forward-looking insights, and actionable strategies from the heart of EU policymaking.

Juliette Beaulton (Ecommerce Europe); Leendert Jan de Olde (Phillips); Karen Ghysels (NET Belgium); Pierre Hausemer (WA Group); and Dustin Wisotzky (Oliver Wyman) in conversation with moderator, Filip Van den Abele, at the 2023 edition.

Agenda at a glance

Opening proceedings, the first panel of the 12th European Retail Innovation Summit, titled “Ensuring a Level Playing Field in European Retail,” will set the tone. This session will bring together voices from across policymaking, industry, and civil society to examine the implementation and enforcement of key EU regulatory frameworks, including the Digital Services Act (DSA), the Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation, and the General Product Safety Regulation. Panelists will explore the evolving regulatory landscape and the challenges of achieving a fair and competitive environment for all market players, while reflecting on how digital and sustainability-driven rules can support the transformation of the European retail ecosystem.

Continuing the conversation on digital transformation, the second session - “The Future of Retail and AI - Leveraging Innovation for Growth” - will explore how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping the sector. From personalised consumer engagement to operational efficiencies and supply chain optimisation, this session will assess how digital innovation is driving growth and competitiveness. Speakers will include Gosia Nikowska (DG CNECT, European Commission), Katinka Worsøe (Permanent Representation of Denmark to the EU), and Kerem Tomak, Global Chief Data, Analytics and AI Officer at Decathlon, alongside other industry leaders sharing insights on AI adoption in the retail space.

Following a morning debate and discussion, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath will deliver a keynote address. Opening the afternoon’s proceedings, Commissioner McGrath will outline his priorities for reinforcing consumer trust in European retail, with particular emphasis on enhanced enforcement, oversight of third-country traders, and transparency in online marketplaces.

Building on this keynote, our third session, “Digital Fairness and Consumer Trust”, examines the European Commission’s forthcoming Digital Fairness Act. Those including Maria-Myrto Kanellopoulou (Head of the Unit Consumer Law, European Commission), Patrycja Gautier (Head of Consumer Rights, BEUC) and Ilya Bruggeman (Director, Digital, Single Market, and Consumer Policy, EuroCommerce) will discuss emerging concerns around dark patterns, addictive user design, and influencer marketing, as well as the broader need for regulatory frameworks that ensure transparency, fairness, and consumer protection in the digital environment.

The final session of the day, “Driving Sustainable Consumer Choice,” will bring together experts to examine how EU retail policy can support the green transition while maintaining competitiveness. Panelists will discuss how regulation and industry-led initiatives can empower consumers to make more sustainable choices, and how businesses can align environmental responsibility with operational and economic resilience. 

The conference will conclude with closing remarks from Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy at the European Commission. Ms. Virkkunen is anticipated to reflect on the day’s key themes and outline her vision for the future of European retail and e-commerce policy in a fast-evolving digital and global context.

Notable speakers include:

• Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President, Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy. 
  
• Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, European Commission. 
  
• Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea, Director, Circular Economy, DG ENVI, European Commission. 
  
• Gero Furchheim, President, Ecommerce Europe. 
  
• Maria-Myrto Kanellopoulou, Head of the Unit Consumer Law, European Commission.
  
• Ilya Bruggeman, Director, Digital, Single Market, and Consumer Policy, EuroCommerce.
  
• Gosia Nikowska, Head of Unit for Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Policy Coordination, DG CNECT, European Commission. 
  
  

For a full speaker line up, please visit the website.

Whether you’re involved in policymaking, business strategy, or digital innovation, the 12th European Retail Innovation Summit presents a unique opportunity for stakeholders to engage directly with senior EU policymakers, gain invaluable insights into the evolving regulatory and digital landscape, and contribute to shaping the future of European retail. 

Register now to secure your place for a full day of insight, innovation, and strategic dialogue at the forefront of European retail policy. Should you have further questions, please contact us at retail-innovation@forum-europe.com

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