2026 Jacques Delors Conference: The EU’s Ambitions Put to the Test of Its Resources
The 2026 edition of the Jacques Delors Conference was held at the Banque de France, a symbolic venue, bringing together decision-makers, experts, and young people to discuss a central question: How can we concretely finance the European project in a fast-paced world?
Photos by Leslie Rosenzweig
Introduction
The conference opened with an introductory speech by Enrico Letta, president of the Jacques Delors Institute.
According to Enrico Letta, we must move from a fragmented market to a true “One Europe, One Market.” He emphasized the importance of completing the still-incomplete single market in order to strengthen European competitiveness and address the continent’s major economic challenges.
As he emphasized: “We must make Europe a part of people’s lives.”
In his view, European integration must now produce tangible results for citizens. He then invited Emmanuel Moulin, the new Governor of the Bank of France, to take the floor.
Emmanuel Moulin offered a straight diagnosis: Europe has abundant savings but invests insufficiently in innovation. In his view, the priorities are:
- A true Savings and Investment Union
- Strengthening the euro’s international role
“Greater internal integration and greater attractiveness to the outside world.”
Engaged European Youth Face Decision-Makers
Following Emmanuel Moulin’s presentation, four students from the 2025–2026 class of the Académie Notre Europe had the opportunity to speak with him directly during a Q&A session.
Ana Puisset-Ruccella, a master’s student in journalism at IJBA, asked the Governor about the EU’s ability to reconcile its geopolitical ambitions with credible strategic autonomy in an international context marked by conflicts and tensions among major powers.
Louis Serai,an employee at the Île-de-France Regional Delegation for Youth, Civic Engagement, and Sports, brought the discussion to the topic of funding major transitions (climate, digital, industrial, and defense) by questioning the robustness of the European financial architecture and the potential need for new common tools.
Isaline Feller, a master’s student in international security at Sciences Po Paris, brought citizens’ concerns back to the forefront of the discussion by asking how the European Union could better protect households from inflationary shocks, particularly regarding energy prices.
Finally, Lilia Touil, a lawyer active in various NGOs, explored how Europe can build a balanced economic partnership with African countries, reconciling European economic sovereignty with the sustainable development of the African continent.
It was a fruitful discussion, illustrating the commitment to placing young people at the heart of the European debate.
Panel: The European Budget, the Savings and Investment Union, and Borrowing Capacity: What Leverage Can Be Used to Finance Europe’s Ambitions?
Moderated by the Institute’s director, Sylvie Matelly, the panelists, Pascal Lamy, Enrico Letta, Kerstin Jorna, and Fabienne Keller, noted that:
– In the face of geopolitical shocks, Europe must accelerate its integration and avoid division;
– Private investment must be better mobilized to finance major transitions (AI, energy, defense, etc.);
– Europe is and must remain an open market; protectionism is not the answer;
– It is necessary to mobilize European savings to finance the future.
In conclusion: Europe is not lacking in ideas, but it is caught between its political ambitions and its ability to finance them collectively.
Certificate Ceremony for the Sofia Corradi Class
The certificate ceremony was also a key moment of the conference. As Sofia Fernandes, director of the Notre Europe Academy, pointed out, the young people are leaving with much more than just a certificate; they are leaving with «knowledge, experiences, encounters, and a renewed confidence in their ability to take action. Throughout this year, they have breathed life into the Academy, just as Jacques Delors dreamed of breathing life into Europe; they embody a clear-thinking, demanding, and deeply committed youth of whom we are so proud ».
The Sofia Corradi graduating class had the honor of receiving their certificates from Enrico Letta in a moment that was both symbolic and inspiring.
A forum to prolong the discussions
The day concluded with a forum bringing together organizations and institutions that work every day to bring Europe to life in practical ways. A big thank you to all of our partners:
Agence Erasmus+ France / Education Formation, Agence Erasmus+ France Jeunesse & Sport, Collectif pour un service civique européen, Parlement européen en France, Conseil départemental de la Seine-Saint-Denis, Europe Jacques Delors, Jacques Delors Friends of Europe Foundation, Association Alumni Académie Notre Europe & Les Jeunes Européens – France.
