The Political Festival of Europe is a yearly democracy festival that aims to gather citizens of Europe over the course of four days to discuss politics and embrace Europe’s rich history and cultural heritage. The Political Festival of Europe takes place in a town called Mariager – also known as the city of roses – an old, idyllic medieval town with crooked houses, cobblestoned streets and timber framed houses. With a modest population of just over 2,500 inhabitants, Mariager town will soon become the place where European democracy will come to life gathering hundreds of thousands of Europeans who want in on the future of Europe. Our mission is to be a place of: Courage – where we dare discuss the future of Europe “Peoplelization” – where we build communities as well as celebrate, showcase, and spread insights to local, regional, and national cultures Inspiration – where we establish debates, dialogues, hearings, and citizen involvement Accessibility – where we create an informal environment for citizens, politicians, and business leaders to meet Anchoring – where we anchor and raise the importance of our democracy for the future of Europe at a local level  In line with our missions, our vision is to “peoplelize” European politics and become a platform, where we strengthen democracy and unity in Europe. We aspire to become the political Olympic Games, where everyone has the possibility of participating in creating the future of Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic has given us all the more reason to create a platform, where we together can discuss European politics and its future. A platform, where people actively can get involved in developing European democracy. The inspiration behind Political Festival of Europe comes from the Nordic tradition of folkemøder –  a concept we want to take to the next level and raise from national settings to a pan-European setting in order to discuss matters that influence everyone in Europe. What is a Folkemøde?  The Danish tradition of Folkemøde [Folk – people; møde – meeting] is a public meeting that dates back to 1839. It is a political event that gathers people with different political views and positions in the interest of democracy. A Folkemøde takes form of informal discussions and speeches across opinions and hierarchy that strengthens active involvement of all participants – every one has a say, every one is heard. After the concept faded away in the 1940s, neighboring Sweden’s own form of folkemøde – Almedalsveckan introduced in 1968 – became the inspiration and groundwork for Denmark to revive the concept on the island of Bornholm in 2011 with their very own annual Folkemøde. It took on popularity fairly fast and has generated thousands of national visitors ever since. So far held at national levels, we aim to expand this concept to the whole of Europe. Here is why. What the purpose of a Folkemøde? The Danish model of Folkemøde is the cornerstone for democracy and pays tribute to the community. The foundation of a Folkemøde lies in dismantling barriers between citizens, politicians and decision-makers in order to bring politics closer to the people and to make society a better place for everybody.  The aim is to lead discussions about how to improve the future of the society and have citizens participate in shaping change. A “folkemøde” aims to: o   Inspire and challenge political views and visions o   Let people meet and listen to politicians they voted for o   Let people have a say and be heard o   Increase trust between citizens and decision-makers and hold politicians accountable o   “Peoplelize”, ;build a community where culture is showcased and celebrated o   Facilitate meaningful debates and anchor them in the political agenda  As cultural heritage is also celebrated in a Folkemøde, entertainment and good food are an integral part of such an event. Hence, at the Political Festival of Europe, you will be able to find arts and crafts, music and gastronomy, alongside the political debates, speeches, workshops, hearings etc.

Climate and Environment Association Europe (CERA Europe ASBL) is a Brussels-based non-governmental organization operating on a European scale to tackle environmental issues and the climate crisis that our planet is exposed to.Today, our Earth is in danger of climate change and environmental degradation. To overcome these challenges is possible with the joint efforts of different actors from different sectors. For this reason, cooperation is needed in different fields from the private sector to public institutions, from civil society to academia for a safe and sustainable planet. The steps and the actions must take into account not only the human being, but also the nature in which the individual lives. Because everything in life is connected to each other by invisible threads. A change in one thread impacts the entire network. The steps we take affect what we do to the web of life as well as what we do to ourselves.From this point of view, CERA Europe aims to prevent climate crisis, environmental pollution and habitat loss, to support efforts to protect ecosystems, to work on food safety and agricultural sustainability in an impartial and non-profit manner. In the face of these problems, CERA Europe carries out projects, research and training and develops local, national and international collaborations in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and EU Green DEAL targets.

Digestive Cancers Europe (DiCE) is the European umbrella organisation of a large group of national Members representing patients with digestive cancer – colorectal, gastric, liver, oesophageal, pancreatic and rare cancers. Our mission is to contribute to early diagnosis and decreased mortality from digestive cancers and to increase overall survival and quality of life.

The European Flavour Association (EFFA) is the voice of flavour in Europe, leading a Europe-wide strategy to the benefit of the flavour industry, its customers and consumers alike. We represent European national associations and companies active in the flavour industry. EFFA has been active for more than half a century, the original association was established in 1961.

The European Brain Council (EBC) is a network of key players in the “Brain Area”, with a membership encompassing scientific societies, patient organisations, professional societies and industry partners.A non-profit organisation based in Brussels, its main mission is to promote brain research with the ultimate goal of improving the lives of the estimated 179 million Europeans living with brain conditions, mental and neurological alike.With the aim to speak with one voice, EBC stands as the platform to foster cooperation between its member organisations and other stakeholders, consistently promoting dialogue between scientists, industry and society. As showcased by its growing portfolio of projects, research and policy papers, as well as events, EBC emphasizes the importance of continued interaction with the European Institutions to build strong European health policies, raising awareness and encouraging education on the brain and the repercussions of neurological and mental health conditions on society as a whole.

ECOPNET (European Cooperation & Partnership Network) is a Brussels-based, politically independent nonprofit network focusing on cooperations and international partnerships, gathering individuals, institutions, universities, academics, scientists, local authorities and companies interested in EU affairs and global cooperation. ECOPNET is also aimed at supporting its members to tackle challenges with the EU policies, as well as promoting the EU values across the ;

EASL, The European Association for the Study of the Liver, is a medical association dedicated to pursuing excellence in liver research, to the clinical practice of liver disorders, and to providing education to all those interested in hepatology. While the roots of the association were founded in Europe in 1966, EASL continues to engage globally with all stakeholders in the liver field wherever they are based. Our aim is to spread knowledge and expertise in best practices and the latest scientific breakthroughs in hepatology.

The European Association of E-Pharmacies (EAEP) represents the interests of e-pharmacies on the European continent. More than 20 million customers and patients across Europe are currently being supplied by our members and on top of that, our online pharmacies and their more than 4,000 employees are currently active in eleven European markets. Founded in 2001 and with its name change in 2021, the EAEP voices its interests mainly with political stakeholders, regional and business actors, with the ultimate aim to improve the health of Europe’s citizens and strengthen the European healthcare system. E-Pharmacies have digitalised the classical pharmacy, and therefore act at the crossroads of digitalisation, healthcare, e-commerce and sustainability. As pioneers in providing digital solutions and our innovative and secure processes in dealing with health data, offering medicinal products and digital healthcare service while complying with national and EU law, the EAEP members continuously seek for ways to enhance the quality, safety and efficiency of healthcare for Europeans. Do you want to learn more about what we do? Find out more on our website and get in touch with us by email: info@ (TPR number: 22824156875-36)

About the Finnova Foundation FINNOVA is a European not-for-profit foundation whose main purpose is to seek international funding related to new technology transfer, modernisation, training and innovation. It also seeks to promote international and interregional cooperation through networks and events, its main fields of work being innovation and the financing of innovative projects with resources; FINNOVA's objectives are to promote public-private cooperation through innovation to address social challenges such as employment, training, entrepreneurship, the UN SDGs, the circular economy, etc. In its commitment to innovation, Finnova has been organising the StartupEuropeAwards since 2016, an initiative of the European Commission's DG Connect. Finnova, headquartered in Belgium and Spain, has its own delegations in Chile and Panama. In Spain, it is present in the Comunidad Valenciana, País Vasco, Andalucía, Madrid , and Islas Canarias. Head office: Avenue des Arts, 56, 1000 Brussles (Belgium). Comunidad Valenciana:  Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Nº 5, planta 5, puerta 15. E-46002 Valencia (Spain). Sevilla: Torneo Parque Empresarial. Calle Biología, 12. Edificio Vilamar II. 2ª planta, módulo 11-D. E-41015. Sevilla (Spain).   About Startup Europe Awards Startup Europe Awards is a methodology of DG CONNECT of the European Commission, implemented by Finnova Foundation since 2016. The SEUAs are an open innovation tool to identify disruptive startups that promotes public-private collaboration and raises awareness of the importance of self-entrepreneurship as a driver of employment. In addition to generating alliances that help to meet the SDGs of the United Nations and the actions of the European Green Pact, thus contributing to the circular economy, the fight against climate change and sustainable tourism. About StartupEuropeAccelerathon Startup Europe Accelerathon () aims to identify innovative ideas eligible for funding from the European Union, such as LIFE, Green Deal, Horizon 2020 or NextGenerationEU. StartupEuropeAccelerathon follows the indications of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, contributing from each challenge to the proposed SDGs; in the framework of the StartupEuropeAwards methodology of DG CONNECT of the European Commission, which was born from DG Research and Development in 2020 with the pan-European campaign Hackthevirus. It has been successfully carried out with governments such as that of the Valencian Community with the challenge of industrial polluting waters or the Andalusian Regional Government with the challenge of the fight against climate change, forest management and innovation in the prevention, fight against fires and regeneration of burnt areas.

At Pronovea we focus on delivering industry leading business conferences for our clients. Drawing on more than 20+ years of industry experience, we bring together the leading experts to provide best-in-class knowledge sharing events.

EHTEL is the one multi-stakeholder organisation within Europe that brings together organisations and individuals engaged in all aspects of eHealth. Its unique structure enables the exchange of ideas and information leading to innovation and improvement in the delivery of eHealth solutions and the transformation of health and social care. It does not lobby on behalf of particular groups but rather facilitates interaction between all of them.

SAFE – Safe Food Advocacy Europe was created in 2015 out of a concern for public health related to food issues. One of the most influential factors of the EU’s food legislation is lobbying, indeed the large majority of EU legislation is influenced by lobbyists. There are more than lobbyists in Brussels, 70% of them are working for businesses, only 10% work for NGOs. Thus, SAFE was created to ensure that consumer’s health and concerns remain at the core of the EU’s food legislation. SAFE is the only NGO in Brussels focusing only on the protection and representation of EU consumers in the food sector. SAFE monitors the EU’s food legislation process and cooperates with EU legislators and its actors to draft comprehensive food regulations. Mission Strengthening the voice of civil society in the EU debate over food regulation, thereby reinforcing participatory democracy in the EU. Increasing public awareness of food safety issues, noticeably by organising training programmes and seminars designed to allow citizens to make informed decisions on the food they eat by learning how to read food labelling (additives, food colourings, MSG). SAFE is giving training to children and teenager in school to reduce excessive sugar and food colorants consumption. Supporting independent research by identifying priority areas for research and raising funds.

UNOPS Brussels Liaison Office supports and strengthens partnerships between UNOPS and the European Union and its Member States, managing relationships with a wide variety of EU institutions, select development banks and other agencies. As a key partner of the EU, UNOPS supports a broad range of EU-funded projects and programmes – bringing peace and security, humanitarian and development solutions in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

he Centre for European Reform is a think-tank devoted to making the European Union work better and strengthening its role in the world. The CER is pro-European but not uncritical. We regard European integration as largely beneficial but recognise that in many respects the Union does not work well. We also think that the EU should take on more responsibilities globally, on issues ranging from climate change to security. The CER aims to promote an open, outward-looking and effective European Union.

Toute l’Europe is the leading francophone website dedicated to European topics. It provides educational content regarding the politics and operation of the European Union and offers an in-depth analysis of European news (political, economical, social, historical and cultural). Touteleurope.eu broadcasts educational information in many forms such as articles, videos, charts, comparative maps, podcasts and fact checking.

The European Brain Foundation (EBF) is an independent multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder charity whose founding members represent leading European neurological, neurosurgical, and psychiatric clinical societies as well as neuroscience research societies and patient ;The Foundation’s main mission is to support research aimed at reducing the burden of brain disorders on society and to contribute to boosting the brain health of every European citizen.

Our Business Priorities We believe in the importance of having a clear set of priorities to guide us through a turbulent and ever-changing environment. Our aim is to achieve long term sustainable growth and deliver value to all our stakeholders. Focus on patients We focus on developing innovative medicines and diagnostic tests that help patients live longer, better lives. Two-thirds of all diseases are either still not treated adequately or not treated at all. This medical need is enormous and better diagnostics and medicines can make a huge difference to the lives of millions of patients and their families. Excellence in science We strive to address unmet medical needs through excellence in science. Breakthroughs in science and technology increasingly allow us to find out precisely what is malfunctioning in the body and develop drugs to counter the problem. We focus on oncology, immunology, ophthalmology, infectious diseases and neuroscience, however we remain flexible and follow the science as new insights become available. Personalised Healthcare We combine our strengths in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics to better fit treatments to patients. When genetic differences can be identified, the efficacy and safety of medicines can be improved enormously. To this end we have a companion diagnostic strategy for every molecule we develop. Access to healthcare We aim to bring our medicines and diagnostic tests to as many people in need as possible. Every healthcare system comes with different challenges and we customise solutions for individual markets. We work with many different local partners to reduce barriers to accessing healthcare and establish innovative, sustainable ways to bring effective and affordable healthcare to patients. Great workplace We are committed to constantly strengthening and maintaining an excellent workplace where every person feels valued and respected and can grow to his or her full potential. Our people make our business. They discover, develop and manufacture our products and ensure they reach the patients who need them. We believe that the key to our success lies in our ability to attract, retain and motivate a highly skilled and diverse workforce. Sustainable value We run our business in a way that is ethical and aims to create long-term value for all stakeholders. We want to create value through developing medical solutions and we aim for as many people to benefit from them as possible. We believe that our success lies in our ability to develop strategies where both industry and society benefit in a sustainable way. Roche Pharma AG was founded 1897 as a pharmaceutical company in Grenzach, Germany, near Basel, where the headquarters, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, is located.

Making a difference in Cancer Control in Europe since 1980The Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL) is a non-profit, pan-European umbrella organisation of national and regional cancer societies. Located in Brussels, ECL provides an exclusive platform for members to collaborate with their international peers, primarily in the areas of cancer prevention, tobacco control, access to medicines and patient support, and creates opportunities to advocate for these issues at the EU level.

The Federation of European Scleroderma Associations (FESCA) is an umbrella group of scleroderma patient support and advocacy organisations working to increase awareness, and advocate for equitable treatments for people with scleroderma throughout Europe.

Brussels-based non-profit media and civil society hub for the exchange of expertise between Ukraine and the EU