10th Annual Policymakers Dialogue | ‘Money & Power: Dissecting the Choices That Shape Our Society’

The Open European Dialogue is Europe’s only political dialogue and learning programme designed exclusively for elected policymakers and endorsed by hundreds of politicians across borders and party lines.

This November, elected representatives and experts from across Europe came together for the 10th anniversary edition of the Open European Dialogue: a cross-party, cross-border exchange focused on pressing political challenges and the exploration of real-life policy solutions.

This year’s theme: ‘Money & Power: Dissecting the Choices That Shape Our Society’.

So many of our human interactions are governed by monetary transactions. Money is not merely an economic instrument—it is a political force with unparalleled ramifications: shaping geopolitical alliances, as well as intra-EU relationships and raising questions that are key to democratic legitimacy and governance.

And yet, for all of their political weight, questions surrounding money are rarely explored with real depth, openness, or fresh perspective.

Driving policy questions:

• How does money shape political power and alliances within Europe and beyond?
• Has money become untouchable as a political subject, and how can policymakers bring these issues back into responsible public debate?
• What tools are available to deliver strategic investments in the face of rising global competition and what sectors should be prioritised?
• What choices must democracies make today to ensure that economic systems serve political legitimacy, not undermine it?

Consult the Annual Policymakers Dialogue Preview for a more detailed overview of this year’s theme and policy questions.

 

See the Research Package (Briefing Notes) provided to attendees, featuring an overview of the topics on Money and Power discussed at the Dialogue.

 

From the 28th to the 30th of November 2025, the Open European Dialogue policymakers community met in Milan for a private, high-level political gathering–political dialogue, without the politics-as-usual.

“The OED Dialogue was eye-opening, especially in terms of geopolitical realities, and also a brilliant networking opportunity that gave me great ideas for policy proposals to take back home.”
OEDX Attendee

*****

“The spirit of the Dialogue was open-minded and respectful. It was a reminder that democracies thrive when people come together to listen, to learn, and to challenge their assumptions in good faith. The 10th Annual Policymakers Dialogue was one of my personal highlights of the year.”
OEDX Attendee

*****