Morning Coffee, Croissants and Hot Analysis of Europe's Future

On Friday, 18 September 2026, 8.00-9.30, we gather at Herning Library for the opening of the EU political season. The event is free and requires no registration - doors open at 7.45, and coffee and croissants are ready.

In collaboration with Altinget, the European Parliament and the European Commission, the event is streamed on a large screen, focusing on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's annual State of the Union address. EU correspondents and experts provide analysis, and Danish MEPs debate the Commission's priorities for the coming year - including the war in Ukraine, geopolitical uncertainty, pressure from global tech giants and new trade conflicts.

The programme takes place in the Platformen room and runs as follows:

07.45: Doors open
08.00: Welcome by Jakob Nielsen, Editor-in-Chief, Altinget
08.05: The political season is underway in the EU - what are the main headlines? by EU correspondents Thomas Lauritzen and Rikke Albrechtsen, Altinget
08.15: Analysis of von der Leyen's annual address: What are the key points? by Per Haugaard, Head of Representation, EC REP in Denmark, and Ditte Brasso Sørensen, Vice Director at the Think Tank Europa
08.30: What are the most important priorities for the EU in the coming year according to the European Parliament? Panel debate with members of the European Parliament:
Christel Schaldemose, Vice President of the European Parliament (S/S&D)
Morten Løkkegaard (V/Renew)
Kristoffer Storm (DD/ECR)
Sigrid Friis (RV/Renew)
Per Clausen (EL/Left)
Henrik Dahl (LA/EPP)
Rasmus Nordqvist (SF/Greens)
09.00: Is there support for the address in Berlin and Warsaw? by German Ambassador to Denmark Anke Meyer and Polish Ambassador to Denmark Ewa Dębska
09.15: How does Denmark respond to von der Leyen's priorities? by Finance Minister Peter Hummelgaard (tbc)
09.28: Closing remarks by Jakob Nielsen and Thomas Lauritzen
09.30: Thank you and goodbye