On 19 June 2025, within the framework of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, a panel discussion was held on the topic “Dialogues with Europe: Is There a Future?”
Economy
Panel Discussion “Dialogues with Europe: Is There a Future?”
Summary
- Start date: 19.06.2025
- End date: 19.06.2025
- Place: Saint-Petersburg
- RU: Панельная дискуссия «Диалоги с Европой: Будущее возможно?»
- Status: Completed
On 19 June 2025, within the framework of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, a panel discussion was held on the topic “Dialogues with Europe: Is There a Future?”
The session was moderated by Maria Matveeva, Director of the Russian‑Austrian public forum Sochi Dialogue.
Among the invited foreign speakers were figures from politics, business, academia, and civil society: Michele Geraci — Former Undersecretary of State at the Italian Ministry of Economic Development (2018‑2019); Lazar Comanescu — Secretary‑General of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation; Gabriella Marchela — CEO of Sirius Global – Academic Diplomacy 4.0; Gerald Sakuler — Chairman of the Austrian Business Club in Russia; Miloš Jovanović — President of OpenLink Group; Thomas Ebner — Film Producer.
On the Russian side, the discussion featured the participation of: Andrey Loginov – Rector of the Russian State University for the Humanities; Irina Kuklina – Executive Director of the Analytical Center for International Scientific, Technological, and Educational Programs; Ruslan Davydov – Member of the Board (Minister) for Customs Cooperation of the Eurasian Economic Commission; Natalia Tretyak – President of the Foundation for the Development of Scientific and Cultural Relations "Vyzov"; Boris Sagalaev – Head of the Laboratory at the Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University.
During the discussion, it was emphasized that even in times of political tension, science remains a special space where cooperation endures regardless of circumstances. One of the key topics was the historical and cultural interconnectedness between Russia and Europe. Andrey Loginov noted, “Russian culture is an integral part of European culture.”
Gabriella Marchela supported this view, stating, “Historically, Europe and Russia have been very close. We can never separate history or rewrite it — everything is interconnected. All attempts to change this are doomed. History has already been written.”
Furthermore, the role of science in fostering dialogue with Europe was discussed. Boris Sagalaev stressed, “Science has become a hostage to politics.”
His opinion was echoed by Gerald Sakuler, who added, “Just as business has also become a hostage to politics.”
The topics of economic cooperation were reflected in the speakers’ remarks. Lazar Comanescu called for joint efforts in finding solutions and emphasized the importance of intellectual and humanitarian collaboration:
“We must unite minds and like-minded people. The free exchange of ideas and information is key to overcoming barriers.”
Concluding the discussion, Kseniya Trinchenko highlighted:
“We operate on multilateral international platforms — and these are undoubtedly spaces for dialogue with Europe.”
All participants agreed that dialogue with Europe is possible. A crucial condition for this is the willingness of all parties to listen to each other. Science remains one of the most important bridges for such interaction.
The session was moderated by Maria Matveeva, Director of the Russian‑Austrian public forum Sochi Dialogue.
Among the invited foreign speakers were figures from politics, business, academia, and civil society: Michele Geraci — Former Undersecretary of State at the Italian Ministry of Economic Development (2018‑2019); Lazar Comanescu — Secretary‑General of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation; Gabriella Marchela — CEO of Sirius Global – Academic Diplomacy 4.0; Gerald Sakuler — Chairman of the Austrian Business Club in Russia; Miloš Jovanović — President of OpenLink Group; Thomas Ebner — Film Producer.
On the Russian side, the discussion featured the participation of: Andrey Loginov – Rector of the Russian State University for the Humanities; Irina Kuklina – Executive Director of the Analytical Center for International Scientific, Technological, and Educational Programs; Ruslan Davydov – Member of the Board (Minister) for Customs Cooperation of the Eurasian Economic Commission; Natalia Tretyak – President of the Foundation for the Development of Scientific and Cultural Relations "Vyzov"; Boris Sagalaev – Head of the Laboratory at the Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University.
During the discussion, it was emphasized that even in times of political tension, science remains a special space where cooperation endures regardless of circumstances. One of the key topics was the historical and cultural interconnectedness between Russia and Europe. Andrey Loginov noted, “Russian culture is an integral part of European culture.”
Gabriella Marchela supported this view, stating, “Historically, Europe and Russia have been very close. We can never separate history or rewrite it — everything is interconnected. All attempts to change this are doomed. History has already been written.”
Furthermore, the role of science in fostering dialogue with Europe was discussed. Boris Sagalaev stressed, “Science has become a hostage to politics.”
His opinion was echoed by Gerald Sakuler, who added, “Just as business has also become a hostage to politics.”
The topics of economic cooperation were reflected in the speakers’ remarks. Lazar Comanescu called for joint efforts in finding solutions and emphasized the importance of intellectual and humanitarian collaboration:
“We must unite minds and like-minded people. The free exchange of ideas and information is key to overcoming barriers.”
Concluding the discussion, Kseniya Trinchenko highlighted:
“We operate on multilateral international platforms — and these are undoubtedly spaces for dialogue with Europe.”
All participants agreed that dialogue with Europe is possible. A crucial condition for this is the willingness of all parties to listen to each other. Science remains one of the most important bridges for such interaction.
