Recap: Econopolis Economic Encounter 2025

 

On Wednesday the 1st of October, clients, partners and colleagues gathered for our annual Econopolis Economic Encounter, an evening to reflect together on the forces shaping the global economy, markets, and our investment strategies. CEO & Economist Geert Noels opened the night by underlining a clear ambition: in a world where geopolitics, technology and climate transitions collide, Econopolis aims not only to analyse but also to provide direction and foster meaningful dialogue with its clients.

The evening featured a keynote by Professor David Criekemans, associate professor in geopolitics and international relations, an engaging debate, and closing reflections by Siddy Jobe, senior portfolio manager at Econopolis.

David Criekemans on Hyperrealism: from interdependence to resilience

Professor David Criekemans, political scientist and author of the recent book Hyperrealism, described a world undergoing fundamental change. For decades, Europe relied on interdependence: free trade, multilateral institutions and the belief that commerce would keep the peace. That paradigm, he argued, has been shaken by a series of shocks: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the pandemic, and intensifying competition for technology and critical raw materials.

Europe risks shifting from actor to object in the power game between the United States and China — “We are no longer at the table; we may well end up on the menu”. Criekemans calls for openness to remain, but combined with structural resilience and stronger supply chains.

His book highlights four long-standing pillars of Europe’s prosperity and security now under pressure:

1. Cheap energy (e.g. Russian gas)
2. Relative stability at Europe’s borders
3. Access to growth markets (especially China)
4. The American security umbrella

As these pillars erode, Europe must invest in capacity such as economic renewal, technological advancement and credible defence, while diversifying partnerships from North America to Africa and exporting its own standards globally.

For companies and investors, this shift is tangible: supply chains are being redesigned, resource politics drives industrial power, and technology has become a geopolitical battleground. Firms that anticipate these dynamics can build an edge; those that don’t risk dependency and declining competitiveness.

 

 

A strategic debate: Europe’s future on the global stage

After the keynote, Herman Daems, Rik Van Cauwelaert and Annelore Van Hecke joined Professor Criekemans for an engaging panel discussion on how Europe can regain strategic relevance. The conversation drew inspiration from the recent Draghi report, which calls for bold action to strengthen Europe’s economic and technological base.

Furthermore, panelists explored how Europe might leverage its medical and pharmaceutical sectors, areas where it still holds world-class expertise, as part of a broader push for industrial and technological sovereignty. They also debated the balance between Europe’s traditional values and the pragmatic need to invest in defence, energy independence, and innovation.

 

From vision to action: closing perspectives & key takeaways

Siddy Jobe, Senior Portfolio Manager at Econopolis, closed the evening by translating the night’s insights into actionable lessons for investors and entrepreneurs. Geopolitics, he stressed, is no longer a distant backdrop, it shapes markets, supply chains and risk daily. Yet fear should not paralyse us. He highlighted positive counterforces that can propel us forward: technological innovation, the opportunities of the climate transition, the talent and entrepreneurship of new generations, and capital willing to invest in the future. Econopolis seeks to navigate this dual reality through:

• Wealth management: protecting and growing capital with a long-term, sustainable perspective.
• Fund management: thematic strategies at the crossroads of technology, climate, demographics, emerging markets and Belgian champions.
• Ortelius consulting: strategic advice on industry, climate and geopolitics

The night’s overarching message was clear: the era of easy interdependence has ended, and a new age of hyperrealism has begun, one that demands resilience, foresight and strategic action. Europe can no longer rely unquestioningly on cheap energy, stable borders, growing export markets and the American security umbrella. Technology, raw materials and defence have become decisive assets, and investors must account for them when building robust portfolios. At the same time, uncertainty should not lead to paralysis. Innovation, the green transition and entrepreneurial talent continue to offer powerful growth opportunities for those who are prepared to act with vision and adaptability.