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Mediterranean Dialogue
Taking advantage of opportunities in the Mediterranean region

The autumn reception of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Madrid
Círculo Bellas Artes

Círculo de Bellas Artes, Madrid, Spain.

© FNF Madrid

The “Autumn Reception“ of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Madrid this year focused on the opportunities offered by the current challenges. Long-term problems, such as the shortage of skilled workers, were addressed and the resulting opportunities, in the form of an ambitious labour market, but also obligations, exemplified by the lifting of every potential of young talent, regardless of socio-economic background - were explained. The "Impulse Talks" format in which the event took place allowed the topics to be examined from various perspectives.

On September 21st, several important experts and multipliers from various fields of economics and politics met at the Círculo de Bellas Artes to discuss topics such as the impending recession and the general situation of the economic landscape.

The event started with a short speech by the Vice Mayor of Madrid, Begoña Villacís, who warmly welcomed the guests. Fabian Huttner, representative of the German Federal Bank (Bundesbank) in Spain, then gave a brief introduction to the current macroeconomic framework of the Mediterranean region. The Key Account Manager of the Sego Finance Group, Yamila Feccia, then continued the event. In her presentation, she explained the current situation and, above all, the opportunities surrounding the still expandable subject of "venture capital in the Mediterranean".

Afterwards, Eva Díaz, a long-time friend of the foundation, gave an outlook on the future of the Mediterranean in relation to the digitalization that is currently taking place. The series of lectures was concluded by Javier Fernández-Lasquetty, Minister of Economy, Finance and Employment of the Regional Government of Madrid. He described the impact that the policy has on the attractiveness of Madrid as a business location in terms of investment. At the end, David Henneberger, Director of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Madrid, gave a short summary, which rounded off the successful evening.

Overall, the evening provided important insights into how to respond to both recent factors, such as the massive commodity price fluctuations, and more long-term, structural problems, such as high youth unemployment. In order to solve these problems, it is necessary to have a profound knowledge of the subject, but it is also essential to link these different fields of knowledge. Exactly this concern was given appropriate space at the event.