Governor Talks - Denmark: Europe at a Crossroads: Growth Resilience and Strategic Autonomy in a Changing World

Wednesday, Oct 15, 2025 | 04:45 PM - 05:15 PM

Location: Cedar Hall HQ1-1-660

 


 

 

SUMMARY

 

Key Points:

  • Denmark’s EU presidency is focused on advancing European defense and competitiveness, recognizing the close connection between security and economic strength. Europe must be able to defend itself, which requires sustained investment in security and a resilient economic base.
  • Momentum for reform is building, with political support inspired by the Draghi and Letta reports. The EU is advancing regulatory improvements through the Commission’s omnibus approach, which streamlines the existing stock of regulations, and is committed to applying cost-benefit analysis to future rulemaking. Efforts to cut red tape, pursue free trade agreements with partners such as Mercosur, India, and Indonesia, deepen the integration of capital markets, and encourage national structural reforms are seen as essential for boosting competitiveness.
  • Budgetary discussions are shaped by the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and must balance limited fiscal space against urgent priorities including defense, the green transition, and research. Europe must prioritize and adopt a smart approach to budgeting, such as linking reforms to funding - similar to IMF conditionality - and mobilizing private capital to supplement public resources.
  • Denmark’s experience provides valuable lessons for Europe. Decades of structural reforms and the flexicurity labor market model have helped Denmark build strong economic fundamentals and adapt to shocks. Inclusive policy-making, expert input, and long-term planning horizons have supported resilience and stability, offering a blueprint for effective economic reforms and governance at the European level.

Quotes:

“Everyone is talking about cutting red tape, of course, and having discussions on whether Europe will be the continent with all the museums and the rules - and then the companies went elsewhere. That shouldn't be the case going forward, so we need to cut red tape, and we need to be better at making better rules in the future.” Stephanie Lose

“I think it's also fair to say Europe should consistently pursue, as we are doing, more free trade. We should be an ongoing defender of the good things that come from free trade - the prosperity and wealth that it has given us. So, when we're pursuing trade deals with Mercosur, that we are now getting close to the finishing line with, India, Indonesia, and so on, then that is because new markets are also new markets of opportunity for the companies of Europe.” Stephanie Lose

“The Danish EU presidency has two priorities: European defense and security, and European competitiveness. And those go hand in hand. If you don't have a strong competitive economy, you haven't got enough money for your defense. And if you haven't got a strong defense, and if you don't invest in your security, then you can't be sure that you actually have a competitive economy to live in.” Stephanie Lose

Contributor: Lucas Menut, SECOP.

OVERVIEW

 

Europe stands at a critical juncture. Growth remains sluggish, reforms are lagging, and global uncertainties are reshaping economic prospects. This Governor’s Talk will feature Stephanie Lose, Denmark’s Minister of Economic Affairs and current president for the Council of the Economic and Financial Ministers in the EU, in conversation on Europe’s key challenges and opportunities. Discussion will focus on priorities for strengthening the single market, advancing the Capital Markets and Energy Unions, ensuring efficient use of the EU budget, strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy, and navigating global headwinds such as shifting trade dynamics and geopolitical tensions. The session will explore how Europe—and Denmark—can foster resilience, competitiveness, and sustainable prosperity.

SPEAKER

 

Stephanie Lose
Minister for Economic Affairs, Denmark

Parliamentary Career

Minister for Economic Affairs, 23. November 2023.
Minister without portfolio in charge of matters falling under the purview of the Ministry for Economic Affairs, 9. March 2023 – 31. July 2023.

Education

Global Board Leadership Masterclass, Copenhagen Business School, 2019.
EmploymentExternal lecturer, Business Academy Southwest, Esbjerg, 2010-2015.
Investment adviser and currency adviser, Jyske Bank, Esbjerg, 2007-2010.
Macro analyst, Jyske Markets, Silkeborg, 2006-2007.
MSc in Economics, the University of Southern Denmark, 2001-2006.
Upper Secondary School certificate, Tønder Gymnasium, 1998-2001.
Basic school, Løgumkloster Kommuneskole, 1996-1998.
Basic school, Nr. Løgum Centralskole, 1988-1996.

Affiliations

First deputy chairwoman in Danish Regions (leave of absence from 14 March 2023) from 2022.
Member of the board of the Health Care Professionals' Pension Fund (leave of absence from 14 March 2023) from 2022.
Member of the Danish Government Digitisation Partnership, 2021.
Vice-chairwoman of the Liberal Party from 2021.
Member of the Danish Board of Business Development, 2019-2022.
Chairwoman of Danish Regions, 2018-2022.
Chairwoman of the State Registered Nurses' and Medical Secretaries' Pension Fund (leave of absence from 14 March 2023) from 2018.
Chairwoman of the Health Care Professionals' Pension Fund, 2018-2022.
Vice-chairwoman of Danish Regions, 2017-2018.
Member of national executive committee of the Liberal Party from 2017.
Member of the national executive of the Liberal Party from 2017.
Member of the board of Danish Regions (leave of absence from 14 March 2023) from 2015.
Chairwoman of the Health Innovation and Business Partnerships Committee in Danish Regions, 2015-2017.
Chairperson of the Regional Council of the Region of Southern Denmark (leave of absence from 14 March 2023) from 2015.
Chairwoman of the board of University College South Denmark, 2015-2022.
Chairwoman of the Growth Forum of Southern Denmark, 2015-2018.
Chairwoman of the Committee for Regional Development in the Region of Southern Denmark, 2014-2015.
Chairwoman of the Innovation and Hospital Structure Committee in the Region of Southern Denmark, 2010-2013.
Member of and vice-chairwoman of the board of Business Academy Southwest, 2008-2010.
Member of the Regional Council of the Region of Southern Denmark (leave of absence from 9 March 2023) from 2006.

MODERATOR

 

Alfred Kammer
Director of the European Department, IMF

Alfred Kammer is the Director of the European Department at the International Monetary Fund since August 2020. In this capacity, he oversees the IMF’s work with Europe. Mr. Kammer was previously the Chief of Staff of the Office of the Managing Director, advising the Managing Director on strategic and operational issues and overseeing operations for the senior management team; Deputy Director of the Strategy, Policy and Review Department, overseeing the work on Fund strategy and surveillance policy; Deputy Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department, overseeing regional economic developments and financial sector issues; Director of the Office of Technical Assistance Management, advising management on technical assistance operations and overseeing fundraising and global partnerships for capacity building; and Advisor to the Deputy Managing Director. Mr. Kammer also served as resident representative of the IMF in Russia. Since joining the IMF, Mr. Kammer worked with countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, and on a wide range of policy and strategic issues.